Rock Island Arsenal, Ill.- At a Combined Federal Campaign award ceremony in January, federal, military and postal employees celebrated an exceptional season of giving.
Employees from federal agencies encompassing 37 counties in the bi-state area celebrated contributions totaling $383,520 for the fall 2015 campaign period, the slogan of which was "You can change a life."
Maj. Gen. Kevin G. O'Connell, commanding general of the Army Sustainment Command and the 2015 CFC Honorary Chairman, served as the keynote speaker.
Referring to those active in this year's campaign, O'Connell said, "Thank you for your participation and volunteerism. The arsenal and organizations off island made a great effort and collaboration. Your efforts contribute to what makes the Quad Cities such a great place to live."
In addition to individual employee contributions, participating organizations held fundraisers including chili cook-offs, bake sales, and scavenger hunts. All proceeds were donated to CFC.
Organizational awards, based on greatest participation according to group size, were presented to the Rock Island Arsenal Garrison (small organization), Army Contracting Command-Rock Island (medium organization), and Army Sustainment Command (large organization). Edgewood Chemical Biological Center received the award for highest average gift.
Eleven percent of federal employees in the bi-state area donated to CFC during the 2015 campaign. During 2016, 36 percent of their contributions will go to local agencies. The rest will go to national and international causes. The three most popular choices this year were St. Jude Children's Research Hospitals, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the Humane Society of Rock Island County.
The 2015 Illowa Bi-State CFC was one of only a few national campaigns to raise more money than last year, a testament to the dedication of the Quad City area's federal employees to support their friends and neighbors in need.
At the ceremony, representatives from several area non-profit agencies thanked the CFC for donations which help their agencies operate.
Katie Cluever, of the United Way Quad Cities, talked about their newest initiative, supported by CFC donations. Born Learning aids children from birth to five years of age to be ready for kindergarten. It focuses on parents and their engagement with their children to develop and improve motor and cognitive skills.
Dan Breidenstein, from Living Lands and Waters, said their premise of "One man can make a difference" is similar to CFC's 2015 slogan. He said CFC donations help LL&W's programs like The Million Trees program, which this year will reach its goal of a million trees planted. He said LL&W appreciates the wonderful local community support.
Kathy Tack, from QC Paws, said donations support animals' medical needs, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, food, and low-cost adoptions.
"We could never do this without your support," said Tack.
The Combined Federal Campaign is the only authorized solicitation of federal and postal employees in the workplace, on behalf of charitable organizations.
More information on the Illowa Bi-State Combined Federal Campaign is available on the internet at http://illowacfc.org/.
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