State Employees Begin 26th Annual Campaign to Meet Important Social Service Needs
Employees contribute millions of dollars each year through SECA campaign to support most vulnerable throughout the world
SPRINGFIELD – Blagojevich administration officials today launched the 26th annual State and University Employee Combined Appeal (SECA) campaign – an effort that raises millions of dollars each year to support charities that help vulnerable people in Illinois and around the world. Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) Assistant Director Matthew Beaudet joined Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director (IDVA) Tammy Duckworth at the State Capitol Rotunda to kick-off the 2008 SECA campaign and encouraged state employees to donate generously again this year to help support those in need.
“The services provided by charitable organizations, such as education funding for our youth, access to treatment options for cancer patients, environmental conservation options, and assistance for our brave veterans are invaluable. Today I encourage all state employees and retirees to take the service we provide on a daily basis to a higher level. I urge you to contribute to these organizations through the SECA campaign so we can continue our commitment to serving those that need our help,” said SECA Chair and CMS Director James P. Sledge.
“By participating in the SECA campaign, you can help enhance the lives of individuals who need it most. The charitable groups supported by your contributions help to improve the lives of people in Illinois and throughout the world. And just a small contribution results in a meaningful gift over time. I want to encourage everyone to give from their heart and help the people who need it. You will make an impact on the lives of others,” said IDVA Director Tammy Duckworth, honorary chair of the campaign.
The SECA campaign is a once-a-year fundraising drive that allows state and university employees and retirees to contribute to participating charities through either payroll deductions or a one-time donation.
Through the campaign, employees direct their contributions to up to eleven member charities, which in turn represent nearly 2,200 charitable organizations:
| American Cancer Society | Global Impact
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| America’s Charities | Independent Charities of America
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| Black United Fund of Illinois, Inc. | Special Olympics of Illinois
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| Community Health Charities of Illinois | United Negro College Fund
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| Community Shares of Illinois | United Way
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Earth Share of Illinois
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With display booths and representatives on site in the State Capitol Rotunda, several charities participating in the SECA campaign kickoff provided information on their services and gave Illinoisans an opportunity to learn how their contributions would help those in need. The Kidney Mobile was also set up for the public outside the Capitol, offering free prevention education and health screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes and chronic kidney disease for visitors.
“Since 2000, United Way and its member organizations in Central Illinois have benefited tremendously from state employees’ generosity and the SECA campaign. In these last eight years, state employees have helped raise nearly two million dollars for United Way and our member organizations. Needless to say, we could not provide the good services we can to our community without the support of state employees, and we greatly appreciate their help,” said Emily Rabin, Director of Development at United Way of Central Illinois.
In 2007, state employees charitably pledged more than $3,212,494.00 and pledges increased by $148,670 in the past year alone. State employees have donated more than $56 million to SECA since the campaign’s inception in 1983.
For more information about SECA and its member charities, log on to the SECA web site at www.secaillinois.org
The 2008 SECA campaign dates are September 19 through November 14, 2008. |
