Annual campaign offers many reasons to give

There’s no easier way or better time for state, university, and University Hospital & Clinics employees in Dane County to support charitable causes than through the “Partners in Giving” campaign, which kicks off Oct. 14 and ends Nov. 29.

With hundreds of charitable organizations from which to choose, the annual workplace campaign (known to many by its original acronym, “SECC”) gives employees plenty of choices. Whether they elect to promote citizen action, family services, environmental stewardship or health research, donors alone decide which causes to support.

Campaign board co-chair Greg Zalesak, a departmental administrator in the UW Medical School, sees “Partners in Giving” as a good opportunity for employees to support the vital work of charitable groups locally and around the world.

“It’s very hard to go through our campaign booklet and not find at least one organization that has helped you or your family or your neighbors,” he says. “Being involved in this campaign is a way of giving something back.”

As more than 11,000 state, university and UWHC employees in Dane County who pledged in last year’s campaign can attest, it’s also a hassle-free way to give. Each Partners in Giving packet includes a pledge form and booklet that explains how to contribute, describes each of the participating charities and answers common questions. The campaign Web site (http://www.wisc.edu/secc) provides further information, including a list of charities by category with direct links to active Web sites, making it easy for potential contributors to learn more about the organizations they may wish to support.

Contributions can be made in cash, by check or through convenient payroll deduction. Employees can give any amount because every gift — no matter the size — is welcome. The campaign’s rigorous eligibility standards guarantee that contributions go only to legitimate groups. And employees will not receive additional solicitations as a result of donating through the campaign, nor will their names be sold or traded to other organizations.

Pooling their efforts through “umbrella groups” and participating in one countywide campaign each year helps the charities raise money efficiently. And because the campaign is conducted by hundreds of employee volunteers, its overhead costs are very low — typically less than 4 percent of the total amount raised. This assures that employee donations go directly to the people and organizations that need them.

Wisconsin’s largest annual workplace campaign for charity, Partners in Giving has raised more than $33 million since its inception as the State Employees Combined Campaign in 1973. Last year’s campaign raised $2.7 million; this year’s goal is $2.9 million. Especially for local charities, it is a crucial source of support.

“From the extraordinary events of Sept. 11 last year to the uncertain economy, the need for the services of many charities and umbrella groups is growing,” says Phyllis Fuller of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, who also co-chairs the Partners in Giving board. “That is why we want employees to know that every little bit helps.”