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Combined Federal Campaign Closing Ceremony Event

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery by
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao
Combined Federal Campaign Closing Ceremony Event
Media Center, USDOT Headquarters
Thursday, March 5, 2020
 

Thank you, Willis [Morris, Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization], for the introduction. And thank you, Jodi [Olsen, 20th Director, Peace Corps and CFC Honorary Chairperson] and Cassi [Brown, Associate Director, CFC National Capital Area -Local Federal Coordinating Committee] for being here today.

I would also like to give a special shout out to all of the charities that participated in this year’s campaign.

As former Director of The Peace Corps and CEO of the United Way of America, I saw firsthand how even the smallest contribution could make a difference.

So I am proud to be here with all of you this afternoon to close out another successful year of the Department’s Combined Federal Campaign. Over 70 events were held this year that included 40 charities.

The themes this year were “Show Some Love” and “Show You Care,” and both are in abundance in this Department!

In total, DOT employees pledged $922,837 and 2,135 hours of volunteer service in 2019. The average gift was $959. Each mode participated in the campaign, and five modes—FHWA, FTA, MARAD, OIG, and PHMSA—exceeded their fundraising goals!

So, let’s applaud every one of our DOT colleagues who have stepped up to help others through the Combined Federal Campaign. Your generosity is one of the reasons why I love this Department so much!

These events and donations do more than just highlight the generous nature of DOT employees. There is a long legacy of people helping people in our country. Over the last decade, America has been ranked the world’s most generous country year after year, according to a worldwide study of charitable giving. Americans lead the world in giving personal contributions of money and time, to organizations like those represented in this year’s campaign.

Let me note that it’s never too late to consider giving to the campaign.  it is important to remember that donating even a small amount can be so helpful.  The steady stream of donations throughout the year which CFC makes possible is a tremendous boost to an organization’s ability to plan and go forward with charitable activities.

With that, I want to once again thank everyone who contributed this year. The impact of your generosity will be felt far and wide.

Thank you.

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