Texas Tech Kicks Off Annual Charitable Campaign

Texas Tech kicked off the 2012 State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) Sept. 4.

At the event, attendees filled out pledge forms early and met with with 30 different agencies that benefit from the donations made to the SECC. A presentation of highlights from last year’s campaign was given and departmental awards were handed out.

Last year, Texas Tech employees – with 33 percent participation – gave $420,082, or 92 percent of the university’s goal. That amount contributed to the $917,593 total donation by the Greater West Texas SECC.

This year, the university hopes to raise $430,000 to change lives, shape the future and make a difference in our West Texas community, said David Abercia, Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University System campaign coordinator.

“This campaign is a great way for all employees to come together and give back to our community,” Abercia said. “West Texas is a tight-knit community, and the SECC is an excellent opportunity to continue that West Texas hospitality.”

Making the Pledge Process Easier

Unlike in years past, the pledge form now can be submitted online. The paper pledge form can still be completed, but the university encourages employees to use the new form.

“By transitioning to an online form, it allows us to engage more individuals and provide a more convenient way for the Texas Tech community to participate and give back,” Abercia said.

The campaign supports a wide variety of charities and causes, ranging from small local organizations to large and well-known national and international groups. According to the university’s SECC website, charities that wish to participate must meet stringent legal requirements, and then be scrutinized by teams of state employees to ensure:

• They are recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and registered with the Secretary of State.
• They are audited (or reviewed) annually by an accountant in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices.
• They provide direct or indirect health and human services.
• They spend no more than 25 percent of funds raised on administration and fundraising unless they qualify for a one-year exception due to special circumstances.

Different Donor Levels

Employees can decide to participate as a leadership giver by donating $1,000 or more. Other standards used in the campaign include giving one percent of annual pay (Lone Star Gold level) or one hour of pay per month, calculated as .006 of an employee’s annual salary (Lone Star Red & Black level). Lone Star members will receive a mug and two tickets to a Texas Tech athletics game.

The Lone Star levels provide a suggested guide to giving. Abercia said employees are encouraged to give what they feel is appropriate for them and their budget.

“Every gift is appreciated and can make a difference to the charities in this campaign,” he said. “How much an individual employee gives is ultimately up to them.”

The SECC website has a wealth of resources available for everyone, including the campaign brochure, a mini-directory of charities, the deposit summary report for paper pledge forms and one-time gifts, the campaign calendar with all events and reporting dates, and the campaign video.