A&M-KINGSVILLE EMPLOYEES KICK OFF CHARITABLE CAMPAIGN WITH LUNCHEON

(KINGSVILLE, October 7, 1996) - Texas A&M University-Kingsville employees have an ambitious plan to accomplish this fall. Deans, vice presidents and campaign team captains voted Wednesday to set the goal for this year's State Employee Charitable Campaign at 75 percent participation of the university work force by the slated Oct. 25 deadline.

The goal was unanimously approved during a kickoff luncheon held in the Student Union Building.

"We are a part of this community," A&M-Kingsville President Dr. Manuel L. Ibnez said. "Because we are a part of this community, we have to participate in what the community does to support its citizenry."

The campaign, titled "Together We Care," is the only campaign allowed in the workplace for state employees and enables them to make voluntary, tax-deductible contributions to charities in an effort to make life better for those in need of help. This year's SECC replaced the annual United Way fund-raising drive, although employees will still be able to designate their funds to United Way of the Coastal Bend if they choose. Participants in the SECC campaign will be allowed to select up to three different federations from a list of more than 200 statewide and local organizations for a minimum contribution of $2 a month. They will also have the option of making tax-deductible donations using payroll deduction, as well as by check, cash or through bank draft.

Appointed faculty and staff members will serve as "team captains" and will assist in keeping track of campaign donations as they are received.

Dr. Kay Clayton, local campaign manager and vice president for Student Affairs and Special Services at A&M-Kingsville, unveiled a giant thermometer for Wednesday's occasion as a visual reminder for employees and to mark campaign progress.

"Our goal is very ambitious," Clayton said, "but we've got some very dedicated and enthusiastic team captains, and with their help I'm sure we can achieve our goal, or at least come very close to it."

A&M-Kingsville presently employs 802 personnel, according to Clayton. Of those, campaign coordinators are hoping at least 600 will contribute. "If we averaged $10 a person, we would collect $6,000," Clayton said. "The amount, however, is not so important. Participation is equally important."

"We feel that this is a really wonderful opportunity for the university to make a statement -- that we are pleased to be able to give back to the community a little of what has been shared with us."

-TAMUK-
-Mary McAdam