More SEFA Testimonials
 "The
outpouring of charitable contributions and donations
in response to the 9-11 terrorist attacks
demonstrated the compassionate, generous spirit of
Americans. The SEFA Campaign provides an
opportunity to donate to agencies such as
Catholic Charities that responded to 9-11 and
provide everyday assistance to New Yorkers in need
of housing, food, clothing, job training, counseling
and substance abuse services. I'm designating my
SEFA contribution to help Catholic Charities help my
neighbors."
David Hamilton,
Executive Secretary |
SEFA at the NYS
School for the Blind "Here
at the School for the Blind, SEFA used to be just a
routine yearly process. Then, in 1999 a motivated
staff person, Karen Kosciolek, took a dull program
and made it fun. She held a large campaign kick-off
event in the school auditorium where school leaders
presented their pledges in front of all the staff.
It was a lot of fun and good for our SEFA Campaign.
We went from collecting $2,800 to $7,100 in one
year!
We have weekly notices in our "Weekly News" in which we try to discredit the bad rumors about SEFA. Finally, we have a huge SEFA Committee (about 20 people) that distributes the pledge cards and follows up with staff. As a result, this year we have had over 40% of the work force make a pledge and have collected over $10,500... Not bad for 200 employees." Dan Spengler,
SEFA Chairperson |
| "In 1992, my youngest son was
diagnosed with a life threatening disease. After
undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation
treatments, he was presented with the opportunity to
attend the Double "H" Hole in the Woods Ranch Camp.
Over the years, this camp has provided him
with an opportunity to meet, and develop lasting
relationships, with other critically ill
children. Starting next summer, he hopes to start
working at Double "H" as a counselor-in-training
where he plans to contribute to an 'environment
where healing can occur and wellness is promoted.'"
Fred Woll,
Internet Services |
 "I
was so impressed with how the Schenectady Community
Action Program put my money to use, I joined their
Board of Directors! For the past five years I have
directly participated in helping poor people become
self-sufficient. Just like a family, community
action is people helping people.Thank you SEFA!" Doug Williams,
Manager, |
|
"I give (to SEFA) because I have....a job, a home, my health....while others don't." Barbara Zittel,
Executive Secretary |
|
"The greatest thing about the SEFA
donation program is that it is such a simple way to
get the job done. We all want
to contribute to those organizations that provide
essential services to others, but in today's busy
environment, it is often both hard to evaluate which
services are valid and difficult to actually take
the time to put the money aside. This program
accomplishes both for us, so that all we need to do
is merely say "yes" on the application form." Laurene O'Brien, |
I
have taken over this campaign for the last three
years and have continued to build upon Karen's ideas
and initial successes. We have developed three
re-usable barometers to place around campus so
everyone sees how we are doing on our drive. We have
two kick-off events so that staff from each shift
can be present. At these events we have local
SEFA-supported agencies come in and talk about what
services they provide right here in Batavia. In this
way, staff can see first-hand what their money
supports and we are also educating our staff about
the community at large.Last Modified: October 02, 2008