FORT BENNING, GA - Fort Benning kicked off the 48th annual Combined Federal Campaign Wednesday at the Benning Conference Center.
Created in 1964, the CFC provides a venue for nonprofit organizations to approach federal employees to ask for charitable contributions.
"CFC is a very proud tradition here," said COL Charles Durr, post chief of staff. "For nearly five decades, we've come together to offer our generosity and support ... to support the agencies that support our Soldiers and the community at large."
The goal for the Columbus/Fort Benning Regional CFC this year is to raise $1 million, post commanding general MG Michael Ferriter said in a video message during the kickoff.
"The Combined Federal Campaign gives all of us an opportunity to help improve the quality of life for someone in need," Ferriter said. "Now, a million dollars is a lot of money, but with you and me and all of us working together I know we can reach it."
Soldiers and DA Civilians can contribute to a variety of charities by designating a specific CFC code. They have the option to donate in one lump sum or with biweekly payroll deductions.
"The Combined Federal Campaign is the world's largest and most successful workplace charity campaign. Last year, the campaign raised over $275 million," Durr said.
"It's important for us to continue to contribute. Last year, the Fort Benning community contributed about $975,000, just short of a million. There were 300 organized CFC campaigns across the country - ours was one of the largest and the best participated in, because Fort Benning is a giving and caring community and, I think, we espouse selfless service."
Durr said when he was on Sand Hill, he was amazed by the generosity of basic trainees who sometimes even had to be counseled by their drill sergeants to contribute smaller amounts.
"That's just an example of what brand new privates in the Army want to (do), and I think it's important that we do our share," he said.
To help get the word out, the Columbus/Fort Benning CFC is doing something "a little different" this year, said Laura Walker, manager of the local campaign.
"We wanted to try to reach out into the community and introduce the CFC in a fun way to some members of our group who don't know about the CFC," she said.
The first event, a Jeans & Jazz Luncheon, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Benning Conference Center. The Fort Benning public is invited to listen to The Infantry Center Band Jazz Combo and win CFC door prizes during lunch.
CFC Hero Competition and Agency Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 3 at the GameStop in the PX. Participants can play Guitar Hero and compete for prizes. The final event, the Lunch & Putt Competition, will begin at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 13. People can compete for prizes on the Fort Benning Golf Course on Main Post or watch from the sidelines and enjoy lunch.
For more information about the events, call Walker at 706-545-9782. For information about how to donate, individuals should contact their CFC key person.
For more about the regional CFC, visit www.columbusbenningcfc.org.
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