Cast aside your worries over Wall Street, tune out political messages about Main Street for just a moment, and turn your thoughts closer to home. 

The annual State and University Employees Combined Giving Campaign (SECC) runs from Oct. 13-Nov. 19 at UWM and the 2008 theme, “Revving it Up for Your Community,” is all about local generosity.

“The economy is really struggling,” acknowledges School of Education associate and SECC board member Jennifer Wentzell. “The 2008 theme is meant to encourage the faculty and staff of UWM to contribute to a charity of their choice at a time when nonprofit organizations, and those who benefit from them, could really use our support more than ever.”

As always, the annual fund-raising campaign gives state employees the chance to support any or all of 200 local and national organizations that fall under one of 10 umbrella groups.

Bold predictions for campaign 2008
In past years, UWM has put forth an award-winning show of support for the SECC: approximately 75 percent of total SECC campaign dollars raised in Milwaukee come from UWM.

“Over the lifetime of the SECC Campaign, since 1988, UWM has raised more than $2.5 million dollars for more than 450 organizations that provide needed services," says Barbara Faucett, SECC loaned executive.

Campaign Chairwoman Joan Prince doesn’t think current economic woes will get in the way of another record-breaking SECC effort from UWM, although some donors may be rethinking their approach to giving.

“A dollar makes a difference,” says Prince. “Our goal is to see more overall campus participation. Donations don't always have to be large. Whatever you can give is what makes the difference.
 
“We’re looking to raise $160,000,” adds Prince, “and I know we can do it!”

In keeping with theme of “Revving it Up for Your Community, any first-time SECC contribution of $25 or more, or $25 increase over an individual’s 2007 contribution, automatically enters donors into a drawing for a black 2009 Harley Davidson FLHR Road King motorcycle. To be included in this drawing, pledge forms should be received by Nov. 13, 2008.

Baked, BBQ’d or booked?
Weekly prize drawings, friendly competitions campuswide and other SECC events give UWM faculty and staff some creative opportunities to get caught up in the spirit of generosity.

Highlights of this year’s campaign include the School of Education (SOE) bake sale, “The Big Barbecue Olympics” sponsored by University Information Technology Services (UITS) and the Department of Enrollment Services’ (DES) “Bake, Book and Media Sale.”

Details are as follows:
Oct. 14, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: SOE Bake Sale in Dnemark Lounge, on the first floor of Enderis Hall.
Oct. 16, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: UITS hosts “The Big BBQ Olympics” on Spaights Plaza.* Area favorite "Marvelous Marvin" prepares sandwich platters or dinners for purchase, including beans, coleslaw and bread. A bake sale, silent auction and other activities round out this event.
Nov. 20, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.: DES holds its ninth annual “Bake, Book and Media Sale” in the Bolton Hall Breezeway. This year’s sale features a special bargain area.

Visit SECC.uwm.edu for more campaign info and the winners of UWM’s weekly SECC drawings.

*In the event of rain, BBQ Olympic events will be held underneath the protected area of the Golda Meir Library.