Campus Community

SEFA: Being Thankful - Why We Give During the SEFA/United Way Campaign

With gratitude:

Thank you to all our campus donors, prize donors, Emeriti and retiree donors, and the volunteers who make this SEFA campaign a success. Your continued yearly participation is what keeps this campaign strong. 

We especially would like to recognize Dr. Bonnie Durand—this will be her last SEFA campaign as interim president. Let’s join together to make this our best SEFA campaign yet! 

Josie Adamo – “Why do I give? I give because I think it is important to support others in need in any way we can. Throughout the years I have donated to SEFA/United Way, and I chose different agencies. However, for the past 10 years, I have raised funds and donated to the 'Make-a-Wish' Foundation in the name of my granddaughter, Taylor Leigh Adamo 💜.”

Andrew Garrity – “I give because generosity strengthens the fabric of our community, and a stronger community makes our campus stronger.”

Maria Garrity, SEFA Co-Chair - “I give to the SEFA campaign because I’ve seen firsthand how local organizations support students, families, medical needs, animals and pets, and neighbors during difficult times. Supporting SEFA allows me to invest in the well-being of the community that strengthens our campus and of course, it makes me feel good!

Tom Killian - "I give to Scouting America because it has provided a profound impact on not only my life, but those around me. Scouting America provided leadership development skills that I have used throughout my life, and I am glad to have the opportunity to support that for others, both through my volunteering and my giving through the SEFA program."

Carolyn Morris-Hunt – “I give to United Way because I want to support the organizations that make our community safer, stronger, and more compassionate. From Crisis Services, which provides a lifeline in moments of deepest need, to Stitch Buffalo, which empowers women and celebrates cultural creativity, United Way helps sustain the programs that change lives every day.”

Elizabeth O’Neill - “Your Gift Can Change Lives – Here’s Why It Matters to Me. Every day, families in our own communities’ struggle to find their next meal. More than 1 in 5 children in the U.S. go hungry and don’t know when they’ll eat again. This is happening right here in Western New York. Non-profits that provide food, shelter, and hope are operating on shoestring budgets—and recent government cuts have pushed many to the brink of closing their doors. Programs like FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter initiative rely heavily on volunteers and donations to keep families safe and fed. Here’s the reality: just $1 a week can feed someone in a homeless shelter. $5 a week can provide a meal for a family in crisis. Small acts add up to life-changing impact. If we come together, we can prevent these vital programs from disappearing. We call ourselves a “City of Good Neighbors”—now is the time to prove it. Please join me in making sure no one in our community is hungry. Your generosity today will make a difference tomorrow. And that is why I give.”

Amitra Wall, Provost & SEFA Co-Chair - “I give to the SEFA United Way Campaign because I believe we are called to care for one another in meaningful, tangible ways. The words from Micah 6:8, to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly, remind me that generosity is one of the ways we live out these commitments in our daily lives. Giving is a practice that aligns my values with my actions. It is wise to invest in people.  There is transformative power when we support others who face barriers. When we give, we are investing in human potential and strengthening the fabric of our shared community.  Individuals, families, and communities flourish when we recognize our interconnectedness and take responsibility for one another’s well-being. I give out of gratitude for the blessings, opportunities, and even the challenges that shaped my journey. My giving is a small but intentional act toward building a community where dignity, opportunity, and possibility are within reach for all.”

Donald Williams - "I give to SEFA because of the agencies supported through this organization. The great work conducted by each organization ensures that my donations are going to a good cause".

Allison Winkowski - “I have had the honor of working on the SEFA United Way Campaign for 15 years, and I have seen the true benefit of donating to the various charities. I chose to donate to the Hospice Foundation because they provided care for my uncle when he was diagnosed with cancer and chose to remain at home toward the end of his life. I remember how Hospice came in daily, how caring and wonderful the staff were, and how they provided whatever was needed to keep him comfortable. Not only was my uncle well cared for, but Hospice also provided my aunt with comfort, support, and companionship.”

How to participate:

Please join us in supporting local charitable agencies. To use the  ePledge system, click “Forgot User ID or Password” to begin the process. If you prefer a SEFA paper form, simply fill it out and return it to your ambassador. Federated agencies can be found in the SEFA Booklet (press ctrl F to search).  Visit our SEFA website for more campaign information. 

With gratitude:

Thank you to all our campus donors, prize donors, Emeriti and retiree donors, and the volunteers who make this SEFA campaign a success. Your continued yearly participation is what keeps this campaign strong. 

We especially would like to recognize Dr. Bonnie Durand—this will be her last SEFA campaign as Interim President. Let’s join together to make this our best SEFA campaign yet! 

Happy Thanksgiving from your 2025 SEFA Committee -  Amitra Wall, Maria Garrity, Meghan Pereira, Carolyn Morris-Hunt and Kristine Kaminsky