Detroit Arsenal launches Combined Federal Campaign

By Lisa KlebbaOctober 28, 2021

The Detroit Arsenal launched the 2021 Combined Federal Campaign with a virtual kick off rally Oct. 25.

The event started with a message from the TACOM Senior Commander, Maj. Gen. Darren Werner. He spoke about the importance of the CFC and how your donations support more than 20,000 non-profit charities worldwide.

“Individually, our support of CFC makes a positive impact on the lives of those around us,” said Werner. “As a team, the impact we are able to make is enormous.”

Lindsay Sammut, Executive Director of the Detroit Federal Executive Board, provided historical information about the CFC. For 60 years, the CFC has promoted and supported philanthropy through payroll deduction, one time donations and now federal employees can pledge volunteer hours. The CFC is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to donate to the charity they choose.

“One of the benefits is the collective impact donations have on people and communities in need,” said Sammut.

Fisher House of Michigan is a new CFC charity and the featured charity for the kick off. Kate Melcher, Executive Director spoke about Fisher House and how they use CFC funds to support veterans and their families. The Fisher House at VA Ann Arbor has hosted more than 2,000 families since opening in June 2020.

Fisher House is a “home away from home” where military and Veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one receives treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, close to the medical center or hospital they serve. Fisher Houses typically have 16 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, dining room and a living room.

Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and veterans’ families an estimated $500 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation.

A virtual charity fair that will take place the second week of December - details to be announced. Additional local and national charities will be given the opportunity to speak and answer questions about the work they do.

Federal employees, federal retirees and contractors can make contributions. Visit https://michigancfc.givecfc.org/ to review charities and make a donation.

Never doubt the difference you can make. You can be the face of change.

Maj. Gen.  Darren Werner speaks about the importance of the Combined Federal Campaign.
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Garrison Manager Carrie Mead and Kate Melcher, Fisher House of Michigan executive director at the Combined Federal Campaign kick off rally
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