CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Raleigh-based State Employees' Credit Union Foundation is once again making a difference in the lives of North Carolina residents. The SECU Foundation has made a $2 million pledge gift to Family House at UNC Hospitals, that will help build a comfortable and affordable place for families from all over North Carolina to stay while their loved ones are being treated at UNC Hospitals. Funded solely by SECU members, the SECU Foundation is dedicated to helping NC citizens on a much larger scale with projects that are normally beyond an individual member's reach. The funds from the capital campaign will go toward the construction and operation of the Family House to be built on 5.85 acres near UNC Hospitals, adjacent to the existing Ronald McDonald House. The completed Family House will be a 32,000 square foot facility with 40 private bedrooms, comfortable gathering areas, a full kitchen, large dining area, screened porch, courtyard and landscaped gardens. The house is slated for completion in late 2006. "We deeply appreciate the generosity of SECU's members. This gift reflects their significant commitment to the people of North Carolina. Each year UNC Hospitals sees patients from all 100 counties and Family House will fill a critical gap in suitable and affordable temporary housing for the families of adult patients undergoing critical care," said Mike Maxwell, president of the Family House board of directors. "Family House will serve the families of patients receiving treatment for organ and bone marrow transplants, cancer, severe burn and eating disorders – as well as other critical care patients." Gifts and pledges to date exceed $3.5 million. Family House will now launch an aggressive campaign to raise the remaining $1 million to match the SECU challenge, as well as the additional $1 million needed to close out the campaign. The Board intends to quickly assemble the remainder of the campaign leadership and have all monies raised prior to the end of 2006.