State Employees' Community Campaign Made It Count For Project 44

Last updated on Monday, November 19, 2018

(INDIANAPOLIS) - The freezing temperatures on Friday, November 9 didn’t stop state agencies from adding to the $1.4 million raised for various charities, as employees took to the Governor’s Court with the final push for this year’s State Employees’ Community Campaign (SECC).

The SECC is a yearly effort to encourage state employees to contribute to any charity with a 501(c)(3) ruling through special events, one-time contributions, or payroll deductions. Since its inception, state employees have contributed more than $32 million through the SECC to charities of their choice for over 40 years.

The 2018 installment of the SECC offered the first state agency 3-on-3 basketball tournament hosted at Governor Eric Holcomb's residence in Indianapolis. Nearly 100 guests attended to watch state agencies battle it out for the championship on the recently built court. Guests included Butler University basketball coach LaVall Jordan, Butler University cheerleaders and official mascot, Hink, along with the Project 44 team.

Governor Holcomb was in attendance and kicked off the tournament by thanking all participants for their dedication to raising funds for various charities throughout the state, including Project 44.

The 2018 SECC Chairman and Department of Revenue (DOR) Commissioner Adam Krupp announced in August the selection of Project 44 as this year's SECC charity of choice. Project 44 was created in honor of the late Andrew Smith, after he lost a two-year battle with a rare form of cancer. Andrew was a member of Butler's two-time NCAA runner-up basketball team, wearing number 44. The organization raises awareness for the national bone marrow registry and encourages individuals to sign up to be a bone marrow donor.

"We are so appreciative of the generosity and effort behind this year's campaign, and especially for the opportunity to further our mission and raise awareness for the bone marrow registry," said Samantha Smith, Co-founder of Project 44. "The SECC has provided an incredible partnership, and we're extremely proud to participate in something so impactful within our community."

DOR and a team from the Governor's office faced off in the championship game after three rounds of tournament play, with Governor Holcomb's team ultimately taking home the championship. Butler coach LaVall Jordan initiated play in the championship game with a ceremonial jump ball.

SECC Chairman and DOR Commissioner Krupp not only played in the event but was impressed by the great turnout despite the weather.

"We could not have asked for a better event to end the SECC this year," said Commissioner Krupp. "I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication so many state agencies and employees exhibited to make this campaign a success. The collective generosity of Indiana's public servants is inspiring. It was an honor to serve as the Indiana SECC Chairman for 2018 and I look forward to supporting next year's chair as we continue to take the SECC to the next level. "

With the Indiana SECC coming to an end for 2018, state employees across Indiana have raised over $1.4 million. Events such as a lip sync battle, paddle boat races, chili cook-offs, silent auctions, bake sales and a state-wide ice cream social contributed to the funds raised this year.

Group photo of attendees and participants in the SECC 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

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