Senior leaders make 'First Donation' at CFC Kick Off lunch

By Maranda FlynnOctober 7, 2013

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The 2013 Combined Federal Campaign, or CFC, season officially began at Fort Huachuca with a kickoff luncheon held at the Thunder Mountain Activity Centre, Sept. 25.

The Combined Federal Campaign is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign with more than 200 CFC campaigns throughout the country to help raise millions of dollars each year.

This year, the CFC theme is "Serving Our Country … Supporting Our Community." Donations given by federal employees during the campaign season, Sept. 15 to Dec. 1, support eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

With over 1,600 participating charities to choose from, there is sure to be a specific charity that stands out to everyone.

Guest speaker Col. Dan McFarland, Fort Huachuca garrison commander, reminded guests of the local communities' gracious support to Fort Huachuca's efforts and its mission.

"The Combined Federal Campaign is a way of extending our up service to support our community," McFarland said. "Last year, our employees contributed $387,000 to the Combined Federal Campaign."

Fort Huachuca was the top contributor throughout all of Arizona in 2012.

Taking into consideration the financial challenges that federal employees have been facing, McFarland addressed concerns for the new CFC season.

"I have heard rumors that a lot of people are considering not supporting the Combined Federal Campaign because of sequestrations," McFarland said. "I would graciously ask you to reconsider. The Combined Federal Campaign has nothing to do with what is going on in Washington. It has everything to do with what goes on in the streets of Fort Huachuca and Sierra Vista.

"Poverty, abuse, disease or neglect hasn't spared Sierra Vista or Fort Huachuca. The CFC gives us an opportunity to target charities for your participation in the interests and regions that you want."

Concluding the luncheon, Command Sgt. Maj. Brenda Cadet, Information Systems Engineering Command command sergeant major, highlighted Fort Huachuca organizations that earned special recognition for their CFC involvement during last year's campaign and provided more information about this year's campaign.

"This year's goal is $375,000 but that is only a goal," said Cadet. "We would love to bust that goal and reach the amount of $400,000 but this campaign is your campaign. Every single person sitting in this room, and all of the Soldiers, civilians, family members that you represent, it's your campaign. Without your participation nothing will happen on this installation."

At the end of the event, all of the military and civilian senior leaders joined at the front of the room for the "First Donation," kicking off the 2013 Combined Federal Campaign.

Each donation helps to cure diseases, clothe the homeless, rescue animals, and preserve the environment -- both in the local community, and abroad. How much you give, how often, and to who is completely up to you.

You can pledge a specific amount to be withheld on a regular basis, or make a one-time donation. Contributions can be made by cash or check, or by payroll deductions via allotment.

For more information or to make a donation, contact your CFC representative in your unit.

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