Secretary of State
The Kentucky Department of State Lends a Hand for Others

(Frankfort, KY) – With philanthropic dollars stretched due to recent disasters, many of Kentucky’s charities warrant more of Kentuckians’ support as needs continue to grow here at home.  Employees of the Kentucky Department of State, which is comprised of the Office of the Secretary of State, the Registry of Election of Election Finance, and the Kentucky State Board of Elections, answered the Kentucky Employees Charitable Campaign’s call for help.  The department raised over $5410 for the campaign, representing an increase of over 43 percent since last year and a 103% increase since 2001. 

 “The employees in the department are tremendous individuals with enormous hearts,” stated Secretary of State Trey Grayson.  “I am delighted that so many decided to participate and to do so at such impressive levels.”
 
 The department exceeded its goal by six percent.  The last time the department met its goal was in 1999.  For its efforts, the department received the Winners Circle Award, recognizing agencies that raised funds above or beyond 35 percent of their total last year.

 Rebecca Long, an employee in the Office of the Secretary of State and KECC Volunteer remarked, “Many of us just wanted to do our part.  So many people are hurting across the country right now; we wanted to do all we could.”

 In addition to payroll deductions which saw an eight percent increase in participation, the department had several special events to raise money for the campaign including auctions for items such as purses, cakes, and artwork.  The final event was a chili cook-off between staff members where judges awarded prizes for the best chili.

“We not only wanted to raise money to help others, but we wanted to have a good time doing so,” commented Sharon Flynn, coordinator for the department’s campaign.  “The campaign gave us the opportunity to bond together as fellow co-workers while working for a great cause.”

The Kentucky Employees Charitable Campaign (KECC), established in 1993, is a unique opportunity for Kentucky state employees to donate to the charity of their choice.  Primarily funds are distributed to six partner charities: Christian Appalachian Project, Community Health Charities, Easter Seals Kentucky, Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, United Ways in Kentucky, and WHAS Crusade for Children

 The KECC is endorsed by Governor Ernie Fletcher, and is chaired this year by Ralph Hacker of the Governor's Office. The KECC is supported and planned each year by state employees, the participating charities, and the Personnel Cabinet. Thanks to state employee’s generosity, the campaign raised $1,350,000 this year to help those in need, representing the largest contribution ever to the KECC and a 21 percent increase from last year.

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