Annual base CFC starts

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kelly White
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Misawa's 2008 Combined Federal Campaign kicked off Oct. 1 granting base members an opportunity to contribute to one or more of several hundred charitable organizations through Dec. 1.

"The CFC consolidates all charitable solicitations into one campaign, once a year, lowering solicitation costs for participating charities and making it easier and more convenient than ever for generous federal employees to support the charitable organizations close to their hearts," said Senior Master Sgt. Kim Gaines, 35th Maintenance Squadron Avionics Flight chief and a Misawa Air Base CFC project officer.

"CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign," according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Web page. "Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world."
This year, there is not a monetary goal set for Misawa's campaign, according to Sergeant Gaines.

"Our goal is to double the participation rate, which would increase to 42 percent," Sergeant Gaines said. "If we can achieve this, we should easily exceed our dollar amount from last year."

People interested in participating can make cash, credit card or payroll deduction contributions.

"CFC unit representatives should be contacting their unit members from now until the end of the campaign in December, said Capt. Grethe Hahn, 35th Fighter Wing assistant staff judge advocate and CFC project officer. "Last year, the Air Force was able to make 100-percent contact with all potential donors. We hope to keep 100-percent contact this year, so anyone who is interested in donating will have ample opportunity.

Through the CFC, members can contribute to the Family Support and Youth Programs, Sergeant Gaines said. "All money collected for FSYP comes straight back to Misawa to fund programs that provide child care, offer emergency assistance, support recreational activities and improve facilities right here on base.

"The Air Force and Navy are working jointly this year on fundraisers," Sergeant Gaines added. "All money collected during the fund raisers will be contributed to the FSYP, which enhances the quality of life for everyone stationed at Misawa."

One such fundraiser will be the Haunted Forest at the Camp Falcon Ski Lodge Area. The Haunted Forest will run Oct. 24, 25 and 31, and Nov. 1.

Those interested in participating in the Haunted Forest as a volunteer, or who have questions about the CFC, should contact their unit CFC representative or the CFC project officers, Captain Hahn at 226-4022 or Sergeant Gaines at 226-1720.

Misawa's CFC season runs until Dec. 1.

More information about the CFC is available at http://www.opm.gov/CFC/.

Click here for a list of Misawa Unit CFC Representatives.