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SECC raises record amount


University and UNC Hospitals employees contributed a record amount to this year's State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC), breaking the $800,000 mark for the first time.

Preliminary results showed the campaign had raised $886,322 as of Nov. 19, with more pledges coming in, said Sue Kitchen, vice chancellor for student affairs. Kitchen co-chaired the University campaign with Aaron Nelson, coordinator of local relations.

That total, which includes $191,600 from UNC Hospitals, means University and hospital employees have contributed some $94,000 more than last year and have topped this year's goal of $830,000.

"We had a clear goal for dollars and participation," Kitchen said. "In true Carolina fashion, many areas pushed beyond just doing their part to a level of excellence, so we actually exceeded our goal."

Kitchen said the credit for the campaign's success goes to the dozens of volunteers who went out and talked to their fellow employees about the importance of giving to the SECC.

"We just have an amazing group of people working with us," Kitchen said.

The SECC gives employees a chance to direct their support to more than 1,250 charitable organizations that provide services on the local, state, national and international levels. Those donated dollars are used efficiently as 87 percent of the money goes directly to the charities donors designate.

The University and UNC Hospitals play a major role in SECC -- last year they contributed more than 20 percent of the campaign's statewide total of $3.88 million.

"The SECC at the University and UNC Hospitals is successful because employees not only give until it feels good to non-profit agencies benefiting North Carolinians, but also because of the significant time they give to implement and see the campaign through to a successful conclusion," said Brad Wilson, the United Way campaign manager who works with the campus effort. "You have one of the premier campaigns in the state because of your well-organized, compassionate and hard-working volunteers."

A celebration honoring volunteers for that hard work will be held Dec. 9 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Carolina Inn's Old Well Room. The event will feature music, food and prizes. This year's official dollar total will be announced. All volunteers -- division leaders, captains and team members -- are invited.

Employees still can give to the SECC by sending a pledge form to Kitchen (Student Affairs, CB# 5000) or Nelson (University Relations, CB# 6210).


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