SEFA 2025: Turning generosity into acts of kindness

During this year’s 2025 SEFA campaign, Buffalo State raised nearly $94,000 for charity—a milestone not reached in years. This incredible achievement reflects the generosity, dedication, and compassion of the campus community in support of neighbors, students, and Interim President Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D.

The 2025 SEFA committee—Amitra Wall, Maria Garrity, Meghan Pereira, Carolyn Morris-Hunt, and Kristine Kaminsky—thanks every donor, volunteer, and ambassador who made this campaign a remarkable success. Exceeding the campaign’s goal truly reflects the heart of this year’s theme: “At Buffalo State, Bengals Give Stronger Together.”

“I give to the SEFA United Way Campaign because I believe we are called to care for one another in meaningful, tangible ways,” said Amitra Wall, provost and SEFA co-chair. “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.” 

Winner’s Circle: 2025 campaign prizes

The following end-of-campaign prizes were generously donated by Buffalo State leadership:

First prize: Sunday brunch for 10 people (donated by Interim President Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D.)
Winner: Darlene DiCesare, senior staff assistant, University Police (Prize paid forward by Samantha Carney)

Second prize: reserved parking space (donated by James Thor, vice president for finance and management) 
Winner: Elisa Bergslien, associate professor of geosciences

Third prize: Office pizza party for up to 12 people (donated by Amita Wall, provost and SEFA co-chair) 
Winner: Lisa Gatti, grants administration associate, Sponsored Programs Office

Fourth prize: Bengal Deck Party for 10 people with seasonal refreshments at a Fall 2026 football game (donated by Wayne Brumfield, interim vice president for student affairs)
Winner: Amy Pedlow, chief of police, University Police

Fifth prize: two tickets to Bengala (donated by James Finnerty, vice president for institutional advancement and external relations) 
Winner: Clemon George, assistant professor of health, nutrition, and dietetics 

Sixth prize: Taco Tuesday lunch for up to 10 people (donated by Chartwells Taco/Nacho Bar and David Loreto, interim vice president for enrollment management) 
Winner: Stephen Phelps, associate professor emeritus (Prize paid forward by Maria Garrity)

Seventh prize: $100 Barnes & Noble gift certificate (donated by Lynn Puma)
Winner: Chris Heximer, clinical supervisor, Speech-Language Hearing Clinic

Eighth prize: lunch for four at Campus House (donated by Deans Wendy Paterson and Kelly Frothingam) 
Winner: John Thompson, associate professor emeritus of computer information systems

Ninth prize: two Performing Arts Center Tickets (donated by Andrew Binder)
Winner: Tim Sager, instructional support associate, Information Technology

Tenth prize: Private planetarium program or laser show for up to 30 people (donated by Kevin Williams)
Winner: Josie Adamo, academic advisement assistant, Enrollment Management

Be Good, Do Good, God Bless, Go Bills!

Eleventh prize: Ambassadors’ Raffle: Bills Collectible Little People (donated by Maria Garrity, Carolyn Morris-Hunt, and Lisa Morrison-Fronckowiak)
Winner: Scott Kent, manager, Custodial Services

Twelfth prize: Ambassadors’ Raffle: Buffalo Bills Keon Coleman Cleat (donated by United Way) 

Winner: Meredeth Lavelle, program manager, Art Conservation Department

The Buffalo Bills Official NFL Josh Allen jersey, donated by Maria Garrity, was won by Steve Cahoon, assistant chief of police, University Police.

Campaign raffle winners who increased their pledges

• Cathy Cook (October 15, 2025): Two Bengal Kitchen lunches, donated by Glenn Bucello
• Donald Williams (October 24, 2025): How many candies-in-the-jar raffle, raising $121 towards United Way
• Allison Winkowski (October 30, 2025): $1,000 Ashley Home Furniture gift card
• Josie Adamo (October 31, 2025): Two Bengal Kitchen lunches
• Tom Killian (November 7, 2025): Two Bengal Kitchen lunches
• Elizabeth O’Neill (November 14, 2025): Two Campus House lunches
• Stacy Erokwu (November 21, 2025): Turkey dinner with all the fixings
• Mary Perrelli (November 21, 2025): Turkey dinner with all the fixings
• Deborah Jones (November 24, 2025): Sweet potato pie and Barnes & Noble gift card
• Wegmans Holiday Shopping On Us! (December 1, 2025): $15 gift cards awarded to Steven Swiatek, Chima Aharanwa, Elizabeth Grady, Andrew Nicholls, Val Celenza, Katie Morales, Kevin Williams, and Yvonne Nagel
• Steve Cahoon (December 2, 2025): Buffalo Bills Official NFL Josh Allen Jersey, donated by Maria Garrity

The SEFA Committee thanks the more than 105 donors who increased their pledge to support SEFA.

Generosity was the secret ingredient 

The SEFA Committee also thanks:

• Everyone who went above and beyond by supporting our fundraiser, whether it be through purchasing a ticket for the candy in the jar raffle—which raised $121 to United Way—or through the purchase of a sweet potato pie, which raised $400 in proceeds from that went directly to United Way, totaling $521 in extra charitable funds. 
• Campus House for partnering with Shetice Jackson, owner of Cake Crazy Bakery, to make this sweet potato pie fundraiser a success. (Read more about this partnership.) 
• Those who purchased a pie (or two): Interim President Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D.; Chuck Arbutina, Curtis and Maria Brickhouse, Wayne Brumfield, Atta Ceesay, Carolyn Morris-Hunt, Lisa Morrison-Fronckowiak, Andrew and Maria Garrity, Yanick Jenkins, Deborah Jones, Dave Loreto, Elizabeth O’Neill, Wendy Paterson, Ron Stewart, Rita Sumers, Jackie Vinson, alumnus Brian Vizzi, provost Amitra Wall, and Kathy Wood.

Kindness in action

The SEFA Committee thanks SEFA Ambassadors who supported our featured agencies, Stitch Buffalo and FeedMore WNY, by donating canned goods and yarn at the October 1 kickoff event. FeedMore WNY proudly partners with Buffalo State’s Milligan’s Food Pantry.

The committee also extends its appreciation to those who shared their heartfelt “Why We Give” testimonies: Josie Adamo, Andrew Garrity, Maria Garrity (SEFA Co-Chair), Tom Killian, Carolyn Morris-Hunt, Elizabeth O’Neill, provost Amitra Wall (SEFA Co-Chair), Donald Williams, and Allison Winkowski. 

Through the United Way Challenge giveaways, Allison Winkowski won a $1000 gift card to Ashley Furniture Store. 

“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,” Winkowski said. “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.”

With much gratitude

The SEFA Committee wishes the Buffalo State community the same warmth and generosity it has shared throughout this very successful SEFA campaign, and extends heartfelt thanks. 

“I give to the SEFA campaign because I’ve seen firsthand how local organizations support students, families, medical needs, animals, pets, children and neighbors during difficult times,” said Maria Garrity, SEFA co-chair. “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. We are making a difference one donation, one moment, one volunteer, one act of caring at a time.”

About SEFA
The New York State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA) is a workplace giving program that allows New York State employees to support nonprofit organizations each year through payroll deduction or one-time donations.

SEFA simplifies charitable giving by offering a centralized way to support causes such as education, health, environmental protection, and community services. Organized regionally, SEFA ensures that donations benefit local communities and works closely with United Way to strengthen lives and neighborhoods across Western New York.

To learn more, visit the SEFA website.