October 18, 2002 UNT Inhouse publication: SECC: State employees’ gift to other Texans

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SECC: State employees' gift to other Texans

The State Employee Charitable Campaign is a workplace campaign that provides state employees with a convenient way to make voluntary, tax-deductible contributions to more than 350 different charitable organizations. Last year, UNT faculty and staff beat the university's SECC goal for total giving by more than 11 percent. Jean Bush, UNT budget director and co-chair of the SECC committee, says the campaign pulled in $139,692 — exceeding the goal by more than $14,000.

"The theme for this year's SECC is 'Choosing to Care,'" Bush says. "The tragic events of Sept. 11 have shown how quickly this nation can be drawn together. Unfortunately, the subsequent economic downturn has put even more people in need of assistance this year. Even friends and family of UNT community members may be in need of assistance. Our goal is not just a financial goal, but also a caring goal. If we all try to contribute just a little, we can show how much we really do care about others."

"Although it would be fantastic if every member of our UNT family could contribute just a little, we know this may not be possible," says Jack Becker, associate professor of business computer information systems and SECC Co-chair. "Our goal is for at least 33 percent of our full-time faculty and staff to choose to care. Employees may join the campaign by donating as little as $2 per month in the form of a payroll deduction — about the cost of one soda and a candy bar per month — or a one-time gift of any amount."

Bush says retirement-eligible employees should have received a pledge/gift form and brochure earlier this month, which lists the organizations eligible to receive support. More information on the SECC-eligible charities is available on the UNT web site at www.unt.edu/secc and extra forms are available by calling the budget office at (940) 565-3231.

Completed pledge forms should be returned to the director of the employee's unit or directly to Bush in the Hurley Administration Building, Room 102. Bush says employees should try to return their pledge cards by the Oct. 31 deadline, but SECC will continue to accept pledges through mid-November. Departments that achieve 50, 75 and 100 percent employee participation in the campaign will be recognized with signs displayed on their office's main door.

But contributions don't have to stop with employees' personal donations. Bush says several departments have had tremendous success with various events to raise funds. The Eagle Student Services Center staff hosts successful fund-raising events each year, including a silent auction of crafts and baked goods, and a Halloween costume contest, which is Oct. 25 this year. The third annual SECC golf tournament is planned Oct. 21 at the Oakmont Country Club. For more information, contact Sue Delmark, assistant dean of recreational sports, at (940) 565-2275 or the budget office.

"Departments are becoming more and more creative each year," Bush says.