Welcome to the Wake County DOT State Employee's Combined Campaign Kickoff.

This campaign has special significance in light of yesterday's events.

At this time I would like to open with a moment of silence for the victims of this tragedy as well as their families. (PAUSE FOR MOMENT OF SILENCE)

I think we all agree that this tragedy has indeed changed America forever.

And as caring citizens, we ask ourselves: how can we help?

We can keep the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers.

We can give blood - because supplies are very low.

I encourage you to call 1-800-GIVE LIFE to help those in need.

And we can also give to state and national organizations that can help these families through the SECC.

Participating in the SECC gives us the opportunity to truly come together during this crisis.

The SECC allows us to give not only to the state, but to the nation. We hold the future of those who depend on these charities in our own hands.

DOT has always been a strong supporter of the SECC - - and we are counting on you again this year.

This campaign has been launched year after year with overwhelming success.

State employees have shown their unwavering support for this cause in the past.

I am personally grateful for all that you do in your jobs and for the participation you give this program each and every year. SECC is the only full-time, charitable fund-raising effort operated and administered completely by state employees.

Last year North Carolina employees raised more than $4.5 million - which topped the goal of $4.2 million.

This year we hope for nothing less!

We want DOT employees statewide to lead the pack with generosity and pull together to help those in need.

I want to share with you an image that will demonstrate how important your gift is to these charities.

Think of an oil lamp.

The flame that the lamp burns represents the communities and charities your contribution will help.

In order for the flame to burn, it has to have oil.

The oil that feeds the flame is your contribution.

Every drop of oil that is put into the lamp represents every single pledge given by each of you.

A single drop of oil may not seem like much at first, but when combined, all of our contributions flow together to feed that flame.

It is important for you to know that even the smallest of gifts matter.

Just $5 per month would pay for an hour of counselling for a suicidal teen.

Just $5 per month would buy enough food for one guide dog for three months.

Another $5 would remove 60 pounds of trash from a beach.

So you see that even the smallest amounts can make a difference.

The needs of our charities and communities continue to rise each year.

However, year after year, you continue to rise to the challenge, even under the worst of circumstances.

You have proven to be an invaluable resource to your communities.

Every gift to those in need is important, no matter what the amount.

Add your drop to the light of our communities and help feed the flame.

Now, Dan DeVane and I have some door prizes to give out.

(YOU AND DAN WILL DRAW TICKETS AS MARVIN BUTLER DISTRIBUTES PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.)