Employee Lumberjack Fund (ELF)
Support an NAU Employee in Need!


Staff Advisory Council Members fundraising at the Giving Tuesday event

For over 25 years, the Santa’s Sleigh Fund, now known as the Employee Lumberjack Fund (ELF), has given over $50,000 to Northern Arizona University employees to assist them in times of need.

The purpose of the fund is to provide small, one-time monetary gifts to full-time NAU employees facing severe financial hardships or personal tragedies. In the past, it has been used for children’s holiday presents, doctor bills, cancer treatment and rent. 

The impact of your gift

This fund is entirely supported by people like you. Any amount makes a difference for an employee with emergency needs. And your gift lets employees know that their Lumberjack community cares about them.  

History of Santa's Sleigh

Don Dufek and Chris Johnson, who both worked in Transportation Services Center in November, while reading a request for employees to donate during the holidays, observed Facility Services employees walking around with duct tape on their jackets and recognized employees are in need. This inspired them to do something. They decided to start a program to provide financial assistance initially for staff in Facility Services but within a few years it was opened up to all campus employees. 

In its first year they raised $350 and then $700 by the second year and finally raised over $1000 collected in its third year. Don worked with Bob Crozier to institutionalize the program through NAU Foundation. Bob was instrumental helping Don moving the program forward.  Don's daughter Candra drew a sleigh and her sisters Brandi & Margo added color. All three of Don's daughter would eventually attend and graduate from NAU. The design was then built by Carpentry and used across campus to promote the program. 

Santa's Sleigh was a labor of love and a true family endeavor. Don retired in spring 2021 and handed over the reins and with his blessing the program has been updated to the E.L.F program (Employee Lumberjack Fund). Don is still around campus and continues to support and promote the program. 

Give now!

Please give now to the Employee Lumberjack Fund (ELF) and help Lumberjacks in need!Staff Advisory Council member group photo

Give Early
Lumberjacks supporting Lumberjacks: SAC Challenge for ELF
$500
Lumberjacks supporting Lumberjacks: SAC Challenge for ELF
Join The SAC (Staff Advisory Council) Challenge by making a gift to the Employee Lumberjack Fund (ELF) on Giving Day. Once 10 gifts are made to ELF, the SAC leadership will donate $500 to ELF. For over 25 years, ELF has provided over $50,000 in aid to NAU employees during times of hardship. Your donation, no matter the amount, directly supports NAU staff facing emergencies, demonstrating our Lumberjack community's commitment to care and unity. Let's stand together and make a difference in the lives of our fellow Lumberjacks.
1 / 10 Gifts
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True Blue: NAU Alumni Association Board
$11,750
True Blue: NAU Alumni Association Board
Help us start off the day with our first milestone and show the Lumberjack community we are True Blue! When we reach 125 alumni gifts of $125 or more on #NAUGivingDay the following NAU Alumni Association Board members will release a collective $11,750 in gifts. Thank you to: Blaise Caudill ’13; Dave Cook; Trina George, ’09; Alex Gutierrez, '85 '90; Jana Harper, ’90; Veronica Hipolito, '97, '02; Jim Jayne, ’91; "Kari" Kent, '91; Rick Koch, ’72; Mary O'Driscoll, ’82; Nancy Serenbetz, '75; Maggie Thom, ’12; , Wayne Watson, ’84; and (3) anonymous members. Go Jacks!
7 / 125 Gifts
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Lumberjack Pride: NAU Foundation Board Challenge
$25,000
Lumberjack Pride: NAU Foundation Board Challenge
Join the NAU Foundation board and show your pride with a gift to support this challenge on #NAUGivingDay. The following NAU Foundation Board members have committed to a collective impact totaling $25,000, which will be released when 125 first time donors make a gift. Thank you to: Lisa Bagwell; Eric Baker; Teresa Bartels; Bob Bement; Bob Braudy; Robin Braun; Booker Evans; Victoria Fimea; Bill Heibel; Mary Huntley; Tim Kinney; Any Peña; Rick Rodriguez; Katrina Rogers; Steve Sanghi; Tony Tewelis; and (1) anonymous member. WE Are Lumberjacks!
96 / 125 Gifts
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