Banquet Kicks Off Charities Campaign

On the eve of the annual Combined Charities Drive, President Pusey has released a letter to the student body urging support in achieving this year's record goal of $15,000. Pusey describes the campaign as "the Harvard community's chance to show that it is concerned for human welfare ... that it lives in the world and in a busy and important urban community--not in an ivory tower."

Solicitation will begin tonight immediately following a kick-off dinner for entry solicitors and House masters. Dean Bundy and Dean Monro will also attend, together with John S. Pharr, national chairman of the United Fund.

Success in meeting the goal, which is $3,000 higher than last year's, will depend on the effectiveness of entry solicitors in contacting students and on the awareness of the student body that ten dollars is the gift expected and requested, Howard J. Phillips '62, co-chairman of the campaign, emphasized last night.

Richard Crystal '62, the other chairman, stressed that ten dollars is a reasonable annual contribution to charity. "Inflation makes the increased giving doubly necessary," Crystal said. He further compared the $15,000 goal at Harvard with the $40,000 contributed annually at Yale and the $28,000 at Princeton. The reason for their success, he stated, is general acceptance of the ten dollar gift.

Contributions may be made by checks marked for a future date, if necessary, the chairmen explained. In addition, checks this year may be made directly to the recommended or suggested charity which the donor chooses to support. Contributions may also be ear-marked for any charity not on the official list or may be made without restrictions.

To publicize the Combined Charities Drive, Al Capp, creator of Li'l Abner, has prepared a special series of Yokum cartoons.