Sophia Malone, administrative support assistant, G1, shows off the chili she donated for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command Tailgate Party and Car Show Oct. 21. All proceeds from Malone's chili were donated ...

More than $1,100 was raised when U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Force Strategic Command employees tailgated Oct. 21 to support the Combined Federal Campaign.

As of Oct. 28, the Huntsville headquarters of the command has reached 75 percent of its $84,000 goal.

"We did not make the early bird winner, which is having reached our goal by Oct. 26," said KC Bertling, a program analyst in G1. "But we are doing well considering the current economy."

The money at the Tailgate Party and Car Show was raised through donations for a meal, which was itself donated by employees. The meal consisted of a hamburger or hot dog, chips, and a dessert. The cooks, servers and setup and breakdown people were all volunteers as well.

"The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and it went well because of all of our employees' unfailing love for helping others," Bertling said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. A big thanks goes out to all of the tailgaters, car show participants and volunteers."

The Tailgate winners are:

Best cheering group - Business Initiative Office

Best display group - G8

Individual best cheering - Sophia Malone

Individual best display - Sophia Malone

The Car Show winners are:

Highest mileage - Reed Carpenter

Best car story - R.C. Porter

People's choice - Mike Liston

Chief of staff choice - Mike Henson/Tim Mickelson (tied)

CG's choice - John Wachs

The command-wide CFC goal is $135,500, and as of Oct. 28, more than $81,000 has been pledged. The CFC drive ends Dec. 15, but all tax-deductible payroll deductions will not begin until 2011.

Carrie.E.David@us.army.mil