CFC wrap-up: 554 ELSW recognized for highest average donation amounts

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Lisa Spilinek
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Hanscom's 2007 Combined Federal Campaign fund drive was a huge success. 

Exceeding the $220,000 donation goal by almost $100,000, Hanscom personnel donated $310,507 during the charity drive that ran from Oct. 3 to Nov. 16, according to Capt. Andrew Dorn, Hanscom's CFC representative. 

During a Dec. 14 senior staff meeting, Electronic Systems Center Commander Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds presented Col. Derrick Richardson, 554th Electronic Systems Wing vice director, with a trophy to recognize the 554th as the Hanscom unit that averaged the largest sum of money donated for the number of people assigned to it. 

"The campaign was fantastic," Captain Dorn said of this year's donation total, the highest amount raised in Hanscom history. 

The Combined Federal Campaign is the federal government's sole annual charity drive. It is also the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign. Pledges made by federal civilian and military donors support non-profit organization that provide health and human service benefits around the world, according to the CFC Web site, www.opm.gov/cfc. 

Captain Dorn said the success of the campaign at Hanscom was due to a multi-faceted approach that included displaying locally designed posters throughout the base, hosting 12 fundraising events on the part of Hanscom units, and holding a trophy competition to determine the base unit that donated the greatest amount based on its number of personnel. 

The 554th Electronic Systems Wing emerged victorious from this competition, donating an average of $185.80 per person assigned for a total of $19,323. 

The 350 ELSW was the ESC unit that donated the most during the campaign, contributing $51,082, while the Air Force Research Laborary here was the unit that donated the most overall to the campaign, contributing $56,198.

"While a little rivalry between wings is fun, the real goal of the campaign is to share our wealth by helping those who are less fortunate. We not only accomplished our goal, we exceeded by nearly $100,000. I am so proud of the efforts of everyone who donated this year -- you've made the world a better place," Captain Dorn said.