State Employees Seeks to Raise $3 Million for Charitable Organizations

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State employees have set a goal to raise $3 million for hundreds of charitable organizations through the annual State Employee Combined Appeal (SECA) from Sept. 8 to Oct. 31. 

"Through the generosity of our state employees, SECA provides millions of dollars to worthy causes both here in Pennsylvania and throughout the world," said Secretary of Administration Kelly Powell Logan. "SECA is a proud tradition that spans nearly four decades, and we look forward to the opportunity each year to make a difference and help others."

Started in 1977, SECA is the commonwealth's annual charitable giving campaign.   Last year, over 16,000 employees from 54 state agencies pledged a total of $2.9 million during the eight-week campaign. Of the employees who donated, nearly 1,800 chose to be Leadership Givers, donating the equivalent of a half-hour or one hour of pay per month for a year. 

State employees can support the participating charities of their choice by making a one-time donation or bi-weekly payroll deductions spread across a year. 

Many agencies also host bake sales and other fundraising activities for SECA. The largest event is Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Soldiers' and Sailors' Grove in Harrisburg and will feature food, games and other activities to raise money for SECA charities.  

In order to receive donations through SECA, charities must be registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State and meet other program guidelines. 

"Charities that are part of SECA have access to nearly 100,000 eligible donors without having to spend their own time and funds on outreach efforts," said Tim Fatzinger, President and CEO of The United Way of the Capital Region. "That way organizations can focus more on fulfilling their missions instead of trying to raise money." 

Media contact: Dan Egan, 717-772-4237

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of Administration