Family Fund 2006-07 has begun and local sponsors such as Publix, Embassy Suites, Columbia City Ballet, and Red Lobster have joined the Office of Annual Giving in awarding prizes to faculty and staff donors.

Donors who make a gift to the University through the Family Fund campaign through June 30, 2007, will be eligible for monthly drawings. September's winner will receive a $40 gift certificate from Red Lobster. October's winner will receive an autographed visor from head football coach Steve Spurrier.

Faculty and staff members can designate gifts to the department, scholarship, or area of their choice. Gifts to the University provide critical resources.

"I give to the Family Fund because I want to provide flexible resources for my college as well as the University--and I can do it by payroll deduction!" said Robert Brookshire, College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management.

Participation at all levels is vital and has a direct impact on USC being chosen for outside grants and external funding. Last year, 43 percent of faculty and staff members made gifts, totaling more than $2 million in support of students, faculty, staff, and University programs.

"The tangible benefits I receive are the discounts on purchases at various stores throughout Columbia," said Carol Mitchell, School of Law, a member of the Family Fund advisory board. "The intangible benefit is my belief that I am helping a student fulfill his or her educational goals through the support of various scholarships."

Pledge forms will be sent BY campus mail after Labor Day. Faculty and staff also can go to www.sc.edu/familyfund to make a gift using the online pdf form any time.

8/06