2009 Combined Federal Campaign kicks off with a bang

By Cpl. Kim Tae HoonOctober 27, 2009

2009 Combined Federal Campaign kicks off with a bang
Master Sgt. Samuel Ramos (right) discusses the procedure of donation through the Combined Federal Campaign with Shannon Olofson (left) Oct. 23 at the Directorate of Human Resources building. A series of promotion events for the CFC has been going on ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP CASEY, Republic of Korea - The Combined Federal Campaign representatives visited Area I Sept 21 to recruit and train key personnel of each unit at the U.S. Army Garrison Casey Theater to ensure the success of fundraising.

Also, a series of campaign events have been going on in various parts of Warrior Country.

Kitty Malcolm-Orr, CFC-O Pacific Area director, came from Japan to provide the training. Lt. Col. Richard Fromm, USAG-Casey commander, gave an opening speech to encourage the personnel, which was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony.

"The CFC is the only authorized solicitation of federal employees in their workplaces on behalf of approved charitable organizations," said Master Sgt. Samuel Ramos. "There are a variety of charitable organizations that have applied and been approved to solicit U.S. government personnel."

CFC began in the early 1960's to integrate the fundraising efforts of charitable organizations. With the advent of the CFC, federal donors are solicited only once a year in the workplace and have the opportunity to make charitable contributions.

"Ninety percent of funds generated through the CFC go to actual charitable organizations, which is a fantastic figure compared to other charitable organizations having fundraising capabilities," Ramos said.

Last year, the CFC raised more than $1.5 million throughout the Korean peninsula while $275 million was raised by federal employees.

"The contribution rate for 2008 was roughly 72 percent of personnel within Area I," Ramos said. "I would say, hopefully this year, we will be able to achieve at least an 80 percent contribution rate."

Numerous campaign events have been going on since the opening ceremony. The 46th Transportation Company, which earned the bronze award, last year, is one example. They held a fundraising event Oct. 23 at the Camp Stanley Theater, in which Soldiers received a briefing about CFC and made their contributions.

"My role, as the most junior enlisted Soldier in the Company, is to make sure everyone has an opportunity to donate," said Pvt. Victoria Klans, 46th Transportation Company CFC representative.

"Our commander, Capt. Victor Gonzalez, has committed to charities raising $3,000 or more and will personally contribute $46 per month.

"We tallied up the numbers and Gonzalez has fulfilled his commitment by contributing $46 per month to the American Diabetes Association, the charity that raised the most money within our company," Klans said "He also will contribute $46 per month to a charity of his choice too."

It makes people feel good about themselves just to contribute to any kind of charitable organization Klans said when asked what would be the benefits of a donation. We may need those charities for ourselves in the future. Soldiers may need the funds themselves. We should not look away from the people in need.