One Purpose, the annual fundraising campaign for California State University, Stanislaus has raised $87,500 in pledges in their first two weeks of the campaign.

The volunteers have a goal of $1 million.

The six-week campaign kicked off Aug. 27 and will conclude on Oct. 8 with more than 270 volunteers from the community and the campus engaged in supporting Stanislaus State students. The campaign utilizes the team concept, an approach that involves groups of volunteers to champion a cause.

“I can feel the energy in the room when our volunteers come together — people are focused on helping students,” said Frank Borrelli, a Stanislaus State staff member volunteering as a divisional leader for the campaign, guiding 12 teams in their fundraising efforts. “There is also awareness on campus and in the community about One Purpose — we have more volunteers this year, people have lined up to help.”

A highlight of the progress made by volunteers this week was a $15,000 pledge reported by Mike Matoso, the director of athletics at Stanislaus State, who is leading a team of One Purpose volunteers. The contribution was made by local business owners Bob and Shawna Nunes of Modesto.

Another $10,000 pledge at the Visionary level — the highest giving tier for donors — was made by Emanuel Medical Center and reported by volunteers Allen and Pennie Rorex.

This week’s top first-year volunteer was Douglass W. Wilhoit, Jr., who is leading a team from the Stockton and San Joaquin County area. He reported $6,500 in pledges. As a team leader, he has taken on a role to engage alumni in the Greater Stockton area. One Purpose is an opportunity to give back and move the region forward, he said.

“It’s certainly investing in the future and it’s investing in people,” Wilhoit said. “And it’s exciting to know that there are about 4,000 Stanislaus State graduates in the San Joaquin County region — they will be our pool of individuals to get involved in One Purpose. It’s a reinvestment not only in themselves, it’s an investment in the community.”

Volunteers for the campaign also serve as University ambassadors — letting the community know about campus activities, sharing stories of student success, reconnecting with alumni and speaking about the impact the University has in the region. This opportunity to make connections has fueled the abundant enthusiasm among campaign volunteers, according to Stanislaus State alumnus and volunteer Dale Butler.

“What I like about volunteering for One Purpose is the opportunity to meet new people and to find better networking opportunities,” Butler said. “It is an experience that enriches my relationships with people because I can get them involved in a great cause that benefits our community.”

Butler reported three new One Purpose donations this week, and he also signed up two new volunteers to join the fundraising effort.

Serving as fund drive chairs for the second year, John and June Rogers have watched the momentum of the One Purpose campaign grow. They said that building relationships throughout the region is an important part of the cause.

“It’s a great way for alumni and the community to get involved with the University,” June Rogers said. “By giving, donors are going to feel a greater connection to the University and they are a part of a great cause.”