FORT RUCKER, Ala. (December 13, 2012) -- It's hard to put a price on the gift of giving, but Heart of Alabama Combined Federal Campaign officials can proudly say that they've raised $1,218,475 for those in need.

The sound of party horns and cheers filled the air as a victory and awards celebration was held at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum Dec. 10 to close this year's CFC, and celebrate and honor those who gave to the campaign.

"This is a great day and a great way to kick off our season of giving, by sharing what you've already given," said Maj. Gen. Kevin W. Mangum, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general. "Those gifts that you've already contributed -- whether you gave of your time, your money, or both -- are absolutely significant in what we've accomplished this year."

The three-month long campaign, which encompassed 30 Alabama counties, was deemed a success in having surpassed the $1.15 million goal by 6 percent.

"This year, 24 organizations exceeded their goals, exceeding previous records; 23 organizations met or exceeded stretch goals; and 22 did all of that within three weeks," making them eligible for the early bird award, said Mangum. Fifteen organizations achieved the trifecta, meaning they were able to meet the early bird requirement, stretch goal and set a new record.

The CFC raised money with project officers and key workers who worked tirelessly to contact potential donors, according to Bob Crittenden, master of ceremonies and director of special projects for Faith Broadcasting.

"Every bit of your hard work resulted in a successful campaign, and everyone can take pride that serving as volunteers and giving as donors will help strengthen and improve the lives of many people who we will never know," he said. "All the credit goes to our volunteers and generous donors throughout the campaign."

Col. James Laterza, U.S. Army Aeromedical Center commander and member of CFCs board of directors, spoke during the ceremony and said the key to get people to donate their time and money is to have a cause that's worth donating to.

"When times are tough, you're going to have trouble getting people to reach down into their pockets and give a little bit more to something that isn't about them," he said. "[An economics professor of mine] once said 'Don't count out consumer sentiment.' If the consumers care about what you're selling, they're going to buy it.

"In this case, consumer sentiment is the heart of what we represent on Fort Rucker," Laterza continued. "As we go into the holiday season … we did our part, and we're doing our part every day, and we'll continue to do it as we go into the new year."

Mangum agreed, but also said that giving doesn't only come from monetary donations, but donations of one's time.

"The most precious gift you can share with someone is the gift of selfless service," he said. "We say that often to folks in uniform, but everyone sitting here today has given of themselves, their time and money for a cause greater than self.

"Whether you are a volunteer who has given your time, or a representative of a charitable organization, thank you for making a difference in our world, our nation and our community," said Mangum. "What you do and how you do it absolutely makes a difference, and the Combined Federal Campaign is one of those ways whereby your small gift, or your large gift, collectively, we are greater than each of us could be on our own."

The ceremony ended with cookies and coffee, but people left with high hopes for next year's campaign.

"When the campaign starts over again, we know we're giving what we can give and maybe a little bit more," said Laterza. "I want everyone to celebrate the giving to others, and recognize what we have and what we have left."