VSU's 2003-2004 State Charitable Contributions Program campaignconcludes with success

Despite facing tough economic times, which have brought about financial strain and budget cuts, Valdosta State University faculty and staff joined forces to raise almost $30,000 for the 2003-2004 State Charitable Contributions Program (SCCP). The overall total is expected to be slightly above last year's campaign.

?We certainly want to thank all of our VSU people for their support of the campaign,? said Sgt. Bob Lee, a VSU Police Officer who, along with Dr. Doug Farwell, assistant dean for the College of the Arts, co-chaired this year's SCCP campaign.

?Times have been tough the last year with the state budget and a lack of pay raises, but our VSU folks have come through with great success,? said Lee. He praised the work of the many VSU volunteers and 14 team captains during the campaign.

?I just can?t tell you how thrilled I am that it worked out like it did,? said Lee, adding, ?It was an uphill battle and the people came through.?

?I also want to join Bob in thanking the staff and faculty for 'stepping up? and sacrificing for the benefit of others,? said Farwell. ?It was wonderful to see the employees of VSU recognize how important it is for us to have a stake in our community and take affirmative steps to make a difference for those agencies and individuals truly in need.?

The State Charitable Contributions Program was established in 1982 by the Georgia General Assembly authorizing an organized annual campaign to allow state employees to make charitable financial contributions. The SCCP includes many charitable agencies approved by the State of Georgia. Individuals can select which agency or agencies they want their donations to go to. The Valdosta-Lowndes County United Way is among the agencies that VSU faculty and staff can contribute to through the SCCP.