ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Soldiers and civilians gathered at Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center for a biscuit and gravy breakfast, here, Oct. 20.
The breakfast is one of several scheduled events being held through the end of the campaign season (Dec. 13) to raise awareness about the Combined Federal Campaign, the federal government's only charity fundraising event; and the Illowa (Illinois + Iowa) bi-state CFC effort. CFC is comprised of more than 24,000 charities and spans 151 regions benefitting local, domestic and international recipients.
CFC was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and has evolved into the largest and most successful annual workforce charity campaign, raising more than $7 billion since its beginning to help combat disease, protect the planet, feed the hungry and assist with medical care for the sick and needy.
"Through CFC, any federal employee can donate easily to their favorite charity, through payroll deduction. For me, it's important to give back and support charities that have made a difference in my life and in my family members' lives," said Linda Loebach, CFC vice-chair public relations, and Joint Munitions Command Public and Congressional Affairs specialist.
In conjunction with the CFC, money raised in the Illowa CFC covers 37 counties in the region and more than a third of the donations have remained in the local / regional area. Donations have traditionally assisted in flood relief efforts, weather-related disasters, and those experiencing financial hardships, those with medical needs, and even local animal shelters who care for sick or abandoned animals.
In 2014, CFC launched its All-Around Giving option which affords donors the ability to pledge in any region, regardless of their geographic location.
Special events across RIA include the Root Beer Float / Putt-Putt Golf Tournament hosted by the RIA Joint-Manufacturing and Technology Center on Oct. 13; the biscuit and gravy breakfast in building 210, Oct. 20; a Chili Cook-off in building 350, Nov. 2; and another breakfast in building 299, Nov. 3. The special events are expected to spread the word throughout the entire RIA workforce.
"Many organizations hold events during the CFC season to have fun and to remind employees of the opportunity to donate. Some of the myriad of events include cute baby picture contests; salsa and chili cook-offs; bake sales; penny wars; and scavenger hunts," said Loebach.
Even the smallest donations can make a big difference. Just one dollar per week can buy 50 hours of activities at a senior activities center; 68 meals to low-income individuals; 36 hot meals delivered to homebound elderly; trained reading and math tutors for 12 elementary school students; "bilingual beginning" literacy proficiency programs for 10 students; and three 30-minute health assessment / counseling appointments for individuals facing physical, developmental, or mental health challenges, as a few examples.
CFC raised $383,520 in 2015. As of Friday, Oct. 7, the CFC has raised $21,115, with the end goal being $400,000.
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