Top photo: SECC committee members prepare information packets.
(Photo by Mark McClendon)

UTSA is ready to launch annual charitable campaign

By Lynn Gosnell
Special Projects Writer

(Sept. 21, 2007)--The 2007 State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) kicks off Oct. 1 and runs through Oct. 19. The annual workplace giving campaign for State of Texas employees, including state universities and colleges, benefits a diverse group of charities and nonprofit organizations.

UTSA participates in SECC with the coordination of donations managed by United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County.

To find out if you have benefited from the type of organization or agency that receives support from the SECC, read on!

Have you or a loved one ever…

• adopted an animal from a shelter?
• cared for someone with Alzheimer's disease?
• received treatment for cancer?
• hiked or camped in a Texas park?
• helped build a Habitat for Humanity house?
• known a victim of family violence?
• toured the Texas State Museum?
• benefited from local organizations such as Any Baby Can, Respite Care of San Antonio, or Big Brothers, Big Sisters of South Texas?

When you consider these things, chances are you have been touched by services and programs that benefit from SECC. Chances are, SECC benefits you.

This year's campaign plans are underway to inform and inspire the UTSA community to give generously. In 2007, UTSA staff and faculty will have the choice of contributing to SECC through payroll deduction or one-time gifts of checks or cash.

Some departments even hold fundraisers and contribute as a team. Of course, you can choose not to participate in the campaign as well. Beginning Monday, Oct. 1, your SECC Area Champion will supply donation forms (and directions for online giving) and the enthusiasm for the campaign.

In 2006, 62 percent of UTSA employees contributed more than $225,000 to local, national and international nonprofit charities through SECC. That figure represents the highest percentage of participation for any UT System institution. The goal this year is to raise the participation percentage even higher.