State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA)

TO: SUNY Downstate Community
FROM: John F. Williams, MD, EdD, MPH, FCCM, President
RE: New York City State Employee Federated Appeal (SEFA)
October 10, 2012

In my first year as President it is with great enthusiasm that I write asking for your support in the New York City State Employee Federated Appeal (SEFA). I understand that Downstate's generosity has made our medical center a shining star of this annual campaign for many years. At this time, with all of the challenges and changes we are facing here in Brooklyn, it is so important that we do not forget those in need and the many causes we personally support.

SEFA is a voluntary program supported by NYS for charitable giving. It requires a commitment from you to one or more of the hundreds of SEFA not-for-profit health and human services agencies both local and national, environmental, international and other charities or organizations that you choose. With the beauty of payroll deduction, just a small bi-weekly donation adds up and helps to make the organizations you support better able to function and achieve their missions. We continue to encourage online giving but will run our usual paper campaign for those who wish to give that way.

With the current economic downturn many worthy organizations find their donations plummeting and their very existence in jeopardy. SEFA-affiliated agencies feed the hungry, counsel troubled youth, protect the environment, send doctors all over the world and make a huge difference in so many lives in so many ways. This Downstate community has always been very supportive of this charitable giving campaign raising more than $2,000,000 for charity in the last ten years.

Our SEFA Leadership team is headed by our Campaign Managers and more than 100 of you who volunteer your time to be the Fund Raisers and do the things necessary for a successful campaign.

For more information contact Leslie Rogowsky, Executive Campaign Manager at 631-8404 or Christine Murrell, Campaign Manager at 270-2612.

When you are asked for a donation, please give if you can and have the joy of knowing you have made a difference. We must continue to support those less fortunate than ourselves in these troubled times.

Thank you in advance for your continued generosity.