State employees generously contribute $3 million to meet important social service needs statewide

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Department of Central Management Services Director Paul Campbell recognized the generosity of State of Illinois employees at a luncheon at the Executive Mansion today as he announced that the State and University Employees Combined Appeal (SECA) campaign raised more than $3,045,000 in 2005. The 2005 contributions increased by $333,209 - by more than 10 percent - as employees charitably increased their donations.

As a result of the strong increase in contributions, nearly $100,000 was donated to meet the needs of victims of Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast. The boost in contributions has undoubtedly aided Central Illinois charities assist the thousands of tornado victims. This year, the statewide charity campaign surpassed the landmark of $50 million in contributions since its inception in 1983.

"So many Illinoisans opened their hearts and pocketbooks this year because they knew that people both in our state and around the world had so many unmet needs. These heartfelt contributions will have an important impact and touch hundreds of thousands of lives," said Mrs. Patricia Blagojevich, honorary chair of the campaign.

At the luncheon, several state agencies were recognized for exceptional participation, including the Illinois Employees Labor Relations Board for 100 percent Agency Participation. Additionally, the Department of Corrections was awarded the Capitol Cup for the highest percentage of employee participants of a large agency, and the Office of the Auditor General was awarded the Governor's Cup for the highest percentage of participation for small- to mid-size agency. Additionally, the University of Illinois at Springfield was awarded the Chancellor's Cup for highest percentage of participation for a University, and Jacqueline Berger from the University of Illinois at Chicago, was awarded the Lee Frost-Kumpf Award for her efforts as a SECA Advisory Board Member and Ambassador for ongoing dedication, leadership, and enthusiasm that exemplifies the true spirit of a volunteer and leader.

The SECA campaign is a once-a-year fundraising drive that allows state and university employees and retirees to contribute to participating charities through either payroll deductions or a one-time donation. Through the campaign, employees direct their contributions to up to eleven member charities, which in turn represent more than 2,200 charitable organizations:

American Cancer Society                                         Global Impact
America's Charities                                                    Independent Charities of America
Black United Fund of Illinois, Inc.                            Special Olympics of Illinois
Community Health Charities of Illinois                  United Negro College Fund
Community Shares of Illinois                                   United Way
Earth Share of Illinois 

"The generosity of state employees and its retirees will help meet the social service needs of people who are so often left behind, and it's encouraging to see this kindness and goodwill that will ultimately meet the day-to-day needs of both Illinois residents as well as the victims of Hurricane Katrina," said Paul Campbell, SECA Chair and director of CMS

Director Campbell also noted that attendees of the Tornado Aid Benefit Concert in Springfield on Sunday, April 30 donated $3,300 to help with local storm relief efforts. The hundreds of attendees gave generously to the American Red Cross as they listened to wide-ranging music from six local bands.

For more information about SECA and its member charities, log on to the SECA web site at www.secaillinois.org

About Central Management Services (CMS)
In 2003, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich instructed CMS to streamline the state's operations, share resources and save taxpayer money while improving the business services of state government. By bringing private-sector discipline to its public-sector mission, the department leads the cost-effective administration of purchasing, property management, information technology, telecommunications, internal audit and outside legal services for the state's executive agencies, personnel and benefits for all state employees and retirees, and the state's employee and vendor diversity programs.

Deloitte Consulting recently validated that CMS achieved $529 million in savings - through its efforts in FY04 and FY05 alone - as it implemented new technologies, reduced waste and rethought many of the administrative operations of the state.