RALEIGH — More than 1,000 state employees and retirees gathered on Raleigh’s Bicentennial Mall Friday for the official launch of the 2012 State Employees Combined Campaign.

The campaign helps support more than 70 charities in the state and gives state employees a chance to see the good work that's happening in the area. It also provides an opportunity for people to donate money.

SECC is the only charitable giving campaign authorized for state employees.

"It's a great way to inform a lot of people in a short amount of time and to share our mission and our work and what several organizations are trying to do around the Triangle," said Dress for Success Triangle spokesperson Laura Piggott.

Last year, the campaign raised more than $4 million.