FORT RUCKER, Ala. (September 12, 2013) -- The Heart of Alabama Combined Federal Campaign has its sights set on helping those in need with an aggressive goal as it kicks off its 2013 fundraising campaign.
The kickoff event and charity agency fair takes place Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. at The Landing, and this year's goal is to raise $1,150,000 by the end of the campaign Nov. 9, according to Beverly Arnold, Wiregrass Area Associate for the CFC.
"We will start with the charity agency fair where we will have different charitable organizations from our campaign area," said Arnold. "The majority of (the charities at the fair) will be local charities that people see working in our communities."
The CFC is the only authorized fundraising organization allowed in federal work places, and the campaign period is the only time that charities are allowed to come into the work places of military and federal employees to ask potential donors to give, she said.
Last year's campaign surpassed its goal, raising $1,218,475 -- 106 percent of its intended target.
All military members and federal employees are invited to browse the booths and learn more about different local charitable organizations in our area, said Arnold. Organizations, ranging from wildlife rescue to animal adoption, boys and girls clubs to senior citizen clubs, and even Fort Rucker's own Army Community Service will be on hand to educate people on the needs in their community.
"This is a really good face-to-face opportunity for donors to go to these charities and ask, 'Why should I give to you?'" said Arnold. "It connects the donor and shows them a need. You may see the name of a charity, but when you understand what it is they do and why they do it, it makes it easier to decide to give to them."
Throughout the fair, people will also have the chance to win prizes through a game of bingo, during which they can visit the different charity displays and get their card stamped.
After the charity agency fair, Col. James A. Laterza, Lyster Army Health Clinic commander and member of the CFC board of directors, will welcome guests and introduce Maj. Gen. Kevin W. Mangum, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, who will be speaking during the event.
After Mangum speaks, people will get to view this year's campaign video, "Aim to Make Lives Better," which will show federal employees and military members who have had to endure unexpected struggles and were able to get through them with the help of some of the charitable organizations that people can donate to.
"Ultimately, our mission is to connect donors to those charities and help the people in need," said Arnold. "Without charitable organizations providing services in our community, there are so many people that would (out of help), and so many of those needs are met through these organizations."
For more information, visit http://www.heartofalabamacfc.org.
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