Partners in Giving starts new campaign

The Partners in Giving charitable campaign launches on Monday, Oct. 12, amid tough economic times this year, but organizers are hopeful because public employees have shown formidable strength during past difficult times.

Despite furloughs and salary reductions, many employees are focused on giving because they’re still employed and see charitable contributions as an important part of their role in the state.

“I’m absolutely going to maintain the level that I’ve been giving because I can,” says Becky Tradewell, a managing attorney in the Legislative Reference Bureau, who has contributed to Partners in Giving since she began working for the state in 1985. “I think that this is the worst year it’s been for state employees, but I feel I’m lucky because I have a job.”

The Partners in Giving campaign has been driven by that shared sense of combined contributions since its inception. Begun in 1973 as the State Employees Combined Campaign, it has raised more than $53.4 million for charitable causes, bringing together state, UW–Madison and UW Hospital and Clinics employees based in Dane County. With more than 9,280 employees giving nearly $2.96 million last year, organizers still hope to top the $3 million mark in 2009.

Men’s basketball head coach Bo Ryan is assisting with this year’s campaign, which is centered on the theme “Team up! Be a Partner in Giving.” Ryan stresses the need to come together when job losses, foreclosures and other misfortunes stress families and communities.

“People do not run out of needs,” he says. “There are always going to be disasters, there are going to be problems, things that we can’t foresee, and I think that it’s important that everybody has a chance … to be a part of helping those around them.”

The campaign, which runs through Nov. 27, features almost 500 charitable organizations under 12 umbrella groups. Employees can direct their donations to a number of causes or simply request that their gifts be distributed evenly.

Donations can be made in a single lump sum by cash or check or, more popularly, spread out over a year through payroll contribution or credit card payments.

An online giving option offers employees a simplified process through credit card. All previous options of cash, check and payroll deduction continue through the paper pledge form that employees will recognize from past years.

The charitable groups represented in the campaign cross a broad spectrum geographically, as well as a broad variety of interest areas.

Information and campaign materials are available at http://giving.wi.gov, which also features a link to the secure online donation tool.