Remarks for Chief Deputy Secretary Dan DeVane
State Employees Combined Campaign Kickoff
Thursday, Aug. 17, 2006 at 9 a.m.
Raleigh
Introduction
Good morning.
Thank you, Gail, for that introduction. It is a pleasure to join you today.
I would first like to thank Gail for heading up the North Carolina Department of Transportation's State Employees Combined Campaign this year.
I also want to thank each of you for volunteering your time and energy to represent your individual units as team captains and help with this worthy cause.
Your passion and dedication will ensure that NCDOT has another successful campaign that will greatly benefit our friends and neighbors in need.
I am very excited about the potential difference we can make again this year by raising funds through the SECC.
We need only to look at how recent events have affected our community to see why this campaign is so important.
Why This Year's Campaign Is Needed
The devastation of Hurricane Katrina reached far beyond the boarders of Mississippi and Louisiana. Local organizations and groups answered the call to assist evacuees and help rebuild communities.
As a result of our efforts to financially support this campaign, we are helping to make our home, state, nation and world a better place to live.
But the SECC isn't just about money.
It is also about making a difference by showing that we, as state employees, have compassion for those in need.
Throughout my career in state government, I have observed that state employees are always quick to respond during emergency situations and are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
You are always ready to lend a helping hand to fellow citizens in need. This willingness to help speaks volumes about the character of NCDOT employees.
The SECC embodies this generosity towards others and each person who donates their time or their money is an integral part of this campaign.
Together, we are able to make the dreams of a young athlete in the Special Olympics become a reality and provide the senior citizens in our community Meals-On-Wheels services.
We are able to give hope to a cancer patient who needs medical care and make a difference by spreading hope across our communities.
Also, your donation to the SECC will extend far beyond the boundaries of North Carolina. Money raised by the SECC not only provides services in our community and state, but also provides valuable services both nationally and internationally.
History of the SECC
Established in 1984 by Governor James B. Hunt Jr., the SECC is the only authorized workplace charitable fundraising effort for state employees in North Carolina. Since its first campaign in 1986, the SECC has raised nearly $60 million for charitable organizations.
The SECC benefits organizations by providing humanitarian assistance through human services to children and the elderly. This campaign also promotes the cultural enrichment or communities by supporting the performing and fine arts.
By participating in the SECC, you are taking positive steps towards making our world a better place.
This Year's Goals
Last year, DOT employees contributed $267,276. Thank you to all who gave, but I believe we can do better and have better participation.
With that in mind, our goal for 2006 is $325,000.
This year, with your help, I am confident that we will not only meet our monetary goal, but also increase the participation rate among NCDOT employees.
Remember that we raise money on a volunteer basis.
Charge
Please take the time to remind your office of the positive effects this campaign can have and that any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in someone's life.
Your efforts during this campaign, combined with contributions from employees in other state agencies, will produce incredible results.
Together, we can improve the lives of our friends, neighbors and coworkers.
I look forward to the results of this campaign, and I thank you again for your efforts to make it a success.