CFC kicks off, sets goal of $295,000

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The Combined Federal Campaign is scheduled to begin Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. with a kick-off event at the Minuteman Commons and a goal of raising $295,000. The campaign will continue through Nov. 16.

CFC began in the 1960s to coordinate the fundraising efforts of various charitable organizations so that the federal donor would only be solicited once in the workplace and have the opportunity to make a charitable contribution through payroll deduction.

CFC is made up of local campaigns throughout the country. Hanscom is part of the CFC of Eastern Massachusetts, which includes other federal organizations such as the National Park Service, FBI, U.S. Postal Service and many more.

Last year Hanscom CFC raised more than $290,000. This year 1st Lt. Elicia Killingsworth, Hanscom's CFC manager, is confident that amount can be exceeded.

"The men and women who serve in the military understand the importance of giving," said Killingsworth. "CFC is an excellent way to contribute to those organizations that benefit our communities."

Several events will be held throughout the month in an effort to reach that goal.

"The official kick off October 3 will include a benefit fair," said Killingsworth. "Local charity organizations as well as speakers from Community Works and Community Health will be on hand. The event is open to all personnel on Hanscom."

Another important event is scheduled Oct. 11 and dubbed the CFC "Main Event." Open to the entire installation, the event will begin with a 5K and 10K walk or run at 2:30 p.m. and a fundraising fair at the Minuteman Commons at 3 p.m.

"The fundraising fair will include a chili cook-off, a pumpkin pie-in-the-face contest, a themed basket auction and much more," said Killingsworth.

Federal employees have a variety of options for giving. They may choose to deduct a certain amount from each paycheck or they may give a one-time donation. If employees choose a payroll deduction, they may do so by either filling out a pledge card or visiting the CFC of Eastern Massachusetts website. Once on the site, federal employees may click "Pledge Now," then follow the instructions.

For those that choose to contribute a one-time donation, they may do so by filling out a pledge card.

Unit CFC representatives are in the process of passing out pledge cards and charity catalogs. There are thousands of CFC approved charities listed that range from local food pantries to international organizations. Employees may also visit the CFC of Eastern Massachusetts website to download a searchable charities list.

For further information about the Combined Federal Campaign of Eastern Massachusetts, visit www.easternmasscfc.org.