CFC to kickoff with dodgeball

By Aniesa HolmesSeptember 11, 2013

FORT BENNING, Ga., (Sept. 11, 2013) -- The Combined Federal Campaign will kick off its signature campaign 8:30 to 10 a.m. Sept. 17 at Smith Fitness Center with guest speakers and a dodgeball tournament.

According to its website, CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with almost 200 CFC campaigns throughout the country and overseas raising millions of dollars each year.

Pledges made by federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season, Sept. 1 to Dec.15, support eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

The campaign is aimed to give federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life of others by donating to charities of their choice, said Laura Walker, CFC manager.

CFC annually reviews charities wishing to participate, applying strict criteria designed to ensure that donated money reaches those in need.

"They have the opportunity to decide if they want to give a portion of their paycheck to a charity of their choice by cash or check donation or through a payroll deduction to support," Walker said.

This year's event guest speakers for the kick off include Walker, Maj. Gen. H. R. McMaster, MCOE and Fort Benning's commanding general and Jason Larivee, warrior to work specialist for the Wounded Warrior Project. Walker said the dodgeball tournament received immediate response from military participants.

"We put the word out that we needed eights team to compete and we had a lot of units sign up for the team within a week," she said.

Teams will include WHINSEC, 194th Armored Brigade, NCO Academy, 198th Infantry Brigade, MEDDAC, 316th Cavalry Brigade, 199th Infantry Brigade and the Ranger Training Brigade. Trophies will be awarded to first and second place teams and prizes will be given for the best team and best team name.

"We gave them two weeks to practice on their own and play against each other--some of them are extremely competitive," Walker said. "Fort Benning likes to be competitive and this is a fun way to get everyone excited about the campaign."

The kick off campaign is free and open to the public. For more information, call 706-545-9782 or email lwalkercfcbenning@gmail.com.