Campus members of the State Employees Trades Council-United pledged to donate over $20,000 on Nov. 24 to the Recreation, Wellness and Events Center over the next two years.

The council, an independent union of plumbers, electricians, painters and carpenters, to name a few, voted to support the center after hearing a presentation by President Alexander Gonzalez about his plans for Destination 2010.

“In my long career this is the most unusual and inspiring gift,” said Fran Baxter, director of development operations. “I say that because this is an individual commitment among the members.”

Baxter said each member of the council will personally commit themselves financially through a payroll deduction over the next two years.

Vice President of Public Affairs Ann Reed said the council, whose members work on campus every day in facilities management, wants to see the president’s vision come true.

Mike Mullen, campus steward for Sacramento State, was unable to be reached for comment.

“In talking with Mullen, it was obvious that he and his members want to support the students, and make this plan a reality,” Reed said. “His people work here on campus and he told me that they see the need day in and day out, and they just want to get behind it.”

Reed said symbolically the gesture means a great deal, given that a campus organization wants to give back to the university.

“They hope their gift will inspire others to come together and make the center a reality,” Reed said.

To date, Gonzalez has raised over $10 million in private donations for the center, with $13 million to go before a student fee can be implemented.

Gonzalez announced the largest donation of $10 million, by San Diego Chargers owner Alex Spanos and his wife Faye, at his presidential inauguration in October.

The recreation center, which will be located at the north end of Hornet Stadium, will allow students to exercise with state of the art equipment, attend concerts and go to sporting events.

Facilities will include a new student health center, swimming pool, athletic courts, fitness center, a bowling alley, fitness classrooms, a childcare center, a conference center and an 8,000-seat arena for events such as commencement and intercollegiate athletics.

Nursing students are expected to be able to intern at the student health center.