SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - The 2009 Army Hawaii-Pacific Combined Federal Campaign officially started with a kick-off event held at Kalakaua Community Center Sept. 25.
U.S. Army, Pacific CFC action officers were on hand to pick up charity books, meet key CFC leaders and talk to several charities that came to discuss their cause or organization.
"The U.S. contributes to millions of people in need across the globe," said Brig. Gen. John E. Seward, deputy commanding general, USARPAC and guest speaker at the event. "That same spirit of giving benefits our own community and organization."
Last year, the Hawaii-Pacific CFC ranked third overall, bringing in approximately $6.3 million, with over one third of that going to Hawaii-based organizations.
"This outstanding achievement attests the generosity and aloha spirit of our Soldiers and Civilian employees," Seward said. "I'm positive that this year's campaign will be as or even more successful."
This year's campaign is from Sept. 14 to Nov. 6.
According to Capt. Brad Laporte, USARPAC CFC officer in charge, the goal of the kick-off event was to have a more prepared and motivated force to strive for the most successful CFC campaign to date.
"The theme of this year's CFC is 'Your Donation Changes Lives'. These words have a great deal of meaning behind it," he added.
The CFC-Overseas has more than 2,000 participating charities that assist people from our local communities, in Hawaii, Japan, Alaska, and all over the world. In 2008, the Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas raised nearly $16 million.
"We are given the privilege to help better the lives of people in the U.S. and around the world," said Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commanding general, USARPAC. "The 2009 Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas offers us the opportunity to make the world a better place for all, by giving to those in need."
President John F. Kennedy established the CFC in March of 1961, said Seward, consolidating numerous charitable programs for Federal agencies. Since its inception, CFC has become the largest and most successful work-place charitable program in the world.
To learn more about the CFC-Overseas and participating charities go to www.cfcoverseas.org, or contact your unit CFC-Overseas Representative.
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