Wearing jeans and sneakers. Being served cake by senior managers. Bidding on wildly imaginative gift baskets created by each department. And cheering on a talent competition starring comedians, electric guitars and an emotional monologue.

There’s nothing quite like the United Way campaign at Highmark. While every company puts their own spin on community involvement, these employees infuse their efforts with a unique blend of creativity, enthusiasm and success.

“It’s really exciting to see the generosity of employees,” Employee Campaign Manager Carrie Beck summarizes, “I am just overwhelmed by the generosity.”

With the need for human services in Allegheny County at increasingly higher levels, Highmark employees are stepping up to make a difference. Starting with an incentive program that raffles off prizes to donors – from Steeler tickets to Giant Eagle gift cards – and then offering the opportunity to wear jeans on Wednesdays throughout the year, employees benefit by making a pledge earlier in the campaign. As a result, Highmark raised more than $250,000 in the first few days of this year’s effort.

Beck credits Highmark’s success with deep-seated commitment. “Most important,” she explains, “is our support from the top. Ken Melani communicates the importance of our United Way campaign and we have great internal marketing with frequent updates.”

While the fundraising efforts are critical, so are opportunities for volunteering. This is why, on a rainy Thursday this fall, Highmark staffers braved downpours for a Day of Caring landscaping project. “No one complained,” Beck says of her colleagues dressed in garbage bags fashioned as rain ponchos, “they were all just wishing they could do more.”

“Yes, the campaign is a lot of work,” Beck admits, “but helping the community and the morale in our company makes it all worthwhile.”

“Our campaign puts a lot into the community,” she adds, noting that Highmark matches employee pledges dollar for dollar. “I am really proud of it.”