UB Employees Campaign for the Community

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo has launched its 2013 UB Employees Campaign for the Community, with a goal of raising $850,000 for charitable organizations in the community.

UB’s campaign is the most successful one of its kind in New York State and one of the top campaigns by a public university in the country.

Austin Booth, vice provost for university libraries, serves as campaign chair and is leading the university in the 37th year of the annual employee fundraising initiative.

“This annual campaign provides a unique opportunity for each of us to make an impact on the lives of many in our community,” Booth said. “Our personal contributions reflect the commitment we have to those who live and work in Western New York. We are very fortunate to live in a community where people truly care about their neighbors.”

Begun in 1976 as the State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA), the campaign provides the means for all UB employees to make contributions to qualified, nonprofit, charitable organizations rendering services to health, welfare and recreational programs throughout the region, state and world. The campaign theme is “Our Generosity Reaches Others.” Over the past 10 years, UB employees have donated more than $8.7 million through the campaign to help people in need.

“UB employees are consistent in their outpouring of generosity and I am grateful to work at a university that cares for its community in such a meaningful way,” Booth said.

UB President Satish K. Tripathi noted that more than 65 percent of money raised by UB employees is designated for use in the Buffalo-Niagara region. “This represents a truly significant engagement with our community,” he said. “This campaign sets the example of achievement that public universities should aspire to.”

All employees are encouraged to participate in the campaign: Even a small donation can have a large impact in the community. A gift of $2 a week can provide one child with 52 days of high-quality, after-school programming; a gift of $5 a week can provide financial education to five low-income individuals/families.