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Questions & Answers
Mecca Cranley is dean of the School of Nursing and chair of the 2002 SEFA campaign.
How's the SEFA campaign going?
So far, so good! I believe a lot of people are getting involved, sponsoring and attending events, as well as the all-important activity of filling out their pledge forms and turning in their envelopes. To date, our contributions are running slightly ahead of last year at this point in the campaign.
How long is the campaign?
The campaign "kicked off" on Sept. 18 and officially continues until Nov. 1. We hope everyone will make an effort to return their envelopes by the end of campaign; however, contributions still will be counted toward this year's campaign if accepted after that time.
What's the campaign theme this year?
Our theme this year is "Giving where we're living." This reminds us that we at UB are members of the larger Western New York community and that our contributions help those right here in our own community. In fact, they help people right here at UB, since at least one of four UB employees will be helped in some way by a SEFA agency at some time.
What types of agencies and organizations benefit from SEFA?
More than 600 human-service and non-profit agencies receive funds from SEFA. Everything from Hospice to Boys and Girls Clubs to Meals on Wheels, Red Cross, mental health agencies, environmental and cultural organizations and on and on. And the great part is that each UB employee has the opportunity to designate a contribution for the agency of his or her own choice.
We all have only so much money to contribute to charities, and many people already give to other funds. Why is it important that we continue to support SEFA and the United Way?
First of all, many other funds can be helped by contributing through SEFA. Just use your booklet to find your favorite! Generosity to helping agencies through SEFA is a strong UB tradition, a real part of the university culture. In some ways, it is enlightened self-interest—we help our community and we help UB by keeping the image of generosity bright.
What question do you wish I had asked, and how would you have answered it?
I can't think of another question, but perhaps this would be a good time to add a message for anyone who has not contributed to SEFA in the past. Please give serious thought to making this the first year of a new habit of giving. Consider contributing the cost of one venti latte from each paycheck. Just that amount would make a huge difference to someone who needs your help. And would you really miss those few dollars out of every check?