The 2025 Our Promise State Employees Charitable Campaign runs through Nov. 30.
Campaign chairs Jonathan Knyff of CCHCS and Martina Virrey of CDCR coordinated this year’s headquarters kick-off effort. Our Promise encourages staff to support nonprofit organizations through recurring payroll deductions or one-time donations.
Our Promise: Message of Purpose
United Way representative Mike Maher said there has been a long-standing partnership between United Way and state employees.
“Giving back to the communities we serve. Hearing the stories about how our donations can change the lives of others is heartwarming,” Maher said. “When state employees come together with a shared mission, we truly can make a difference.”
At the Elk Grove headquarters event, there were 17 organizations on hand, ready to answer questions.
Attending organizations included:
- Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- ARTners
- Chicks in Crisis
- City of Elk Grove
- Elk Grove Community Garden and Learning Center
- Firefighter Burn Institute
- ShepHeroes
- Sacramento Loaves and Fishes
- Savings Plus and CalPERS
- Sisters of Nia
- United Way
- Runnin’ for Rhett
- Fosters and Paws
- Special Olympics Northern California
- CCHCS Peer Support
- and Capital Therapy Dogs.
Nonprofit voices, community impact
Community partners said the Our Promise campaign is important.
ARTners expressed gratitude for continued involvement.
“Your support empowers ARTners to bring creative services to enrich lives of all ages,” said Teresa Gutierrez. “Together, we can keep traditions thriving and ensure art continues to uplift our community.”
Special Olympics Northern California highlighted the stability payroll giving provides.
“The Our Promise Campaign means the world to Special Olympics Northern California,” said Kayla Irlbeck. “Thanks to donations, we can invest in training, competitions, and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.”
Sacramento Loaves and Fishes expressed gratitude for the long-standing relationship with staff.
“Attending the Our Promise Campaign has always been a pleasure, especially when I meet employees who take the time to learn and ask questions about our work,” said Kyla Xiong. “When you learn that Loaves and Fishes started out with volunteers in 1983, it is easy to dream about what more we can do together.”
Leadership remarks, stories of service
During the event, employees gathered for remarks from CDCR and CCHCS leadership.
Secretary Jeff Macomber thanked the campaign chairs, volunteers, nonprofit partners, and staff. He spoke about the alignment between the mission of public service and the meaningful acts of giving encouraged through the campaign.
He was followed by Health Care Policy and Administration Director Lara Saich. Others who spoke during the event included a Special Olympics athlete and a Make-A-Wish representative, each sharing stories showing the ripple effect of generosity.
Secretary Macomber also stopped by the Fosters and Paws booth to interact with employees and puppies.
Campaign rooted in service
Each year, the Our Promise Campaign reflects the compassion and commitment of CDCR and CCHCS employees. Through nonprofit partnerships, personal giving, and a shared dedication to helping others, staff demonstrate that collective action can create meaningful impact across California.
Employees can visit the Our Promise: CA State Employees Giving at Work website to explore nonprofit partners and learn more about making a pledge. Setting up your donation is easy and completed via your Cal Employee Connect account.
Story by Amanda Spangler, Communications Analyst
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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