YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea - U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan Commander Col. Dave Hall launched the Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas fund drive season Oct. 4 by kicking a "CFC football" to a team of unit coordinators during halftime at a Seoul American High School varsity football game.
"This is how Yongsan does it ... looking at unique ways to get the community involved and help people to understand how important these programs are," said Sonja Goodman, USAG-Yongsan CFC-O coordinator.
CFC, established in 1961, is the "largest workplace philanthropic fundraiser in the world, with the goal to give federal employees the opportunity to make generous contributions only once in the workplace," according to the CFC mission statement. Contributors can donate to charitable organizations through payroll deduction, one-time cash payments or by credit card.
In 2007, federal employees raised nearly $16 million for more than 2,000 charitable causes around the world.
Yongsan community contributors raised more than $400,000 in donations in 2007, of which $15,544 came back to Yongsan's family support and youth programs.
"Our goal this year is $450,000," Goodman said. The garrison trained nearly 30 unit coordinators and key persons Sept. 9 to help contributors with completing forms and providing CFC information.
For the 2007 campaign, USAG-Yongsan earned a Bronze Award for an average per-person gift of $60, or 40 percent unit participation. USAG-Yongsan had also received a 2007 Special Merit Award for having the best installation campaign in Korea.
"It was no easy and small contribution," Hall said of the garrison's efforts during the fund drive last fall. "We were partners and leaders, and we should be proud of ourselves."
This year's campaign will run from Oct. 1 to Dec. 3, Goodman said.
"We're shooting for 100 percent participation and motivation, and we're making sure we contact everyone," she said. "One reason why it's so important to contribute is that some of the organizations give back to our family members, such as the American Red Cross."
Donors who are undecided on which agency to contribute to have the option of selecting Family Support Youth Program, located on the bottom of each CFC form.
"One hundred percent of what you give (to FYSA) will go back to our community for family and youth programs," she said.
Related Links:
Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas
Social Sharing