Each year, federal employees and retirees raise money and volunteer hours for their favorite charities through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), a government workplace giving campaign that began over 60 years ago. This is an opportunity for government employees to choose from multiple charities that speak to them and pledge payroll deductions and even volunteer hours. The annual campaigns have raised over $8.7 billion during this longstanding tradition of generosity. Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S) and its subordinate organizations participated and gave generously, exceeding their goals. One organization in particular, Project Manager Aircraft Survivability Equipment (PM ASE), turned in a performance this year that won them the Over-the-Top Campaign Award, given by the regional CFC director. The Over-the-Top award recognizes federal offices that demonstrate significant year-over-year increases in contributions.
PM ASE develops and fields aircraft survivability systems to ensure aircrews and aircraft are protected against current enemy threats. Located in Huntsville, AL, the PM ASE team of professionals has a track record of responding to the CFC with generous donations and overall high participation levels. How is the organization able to achieve their goals for this campaign?
The answer comes down to the dedicated planning and execution to spread awareness, gather support and passionate solicitation for donations. Kassel Kendricks is a management analyst for PM ASE and for eight years, she has also been the coordinator of the CFC for her organization. She is also a member of the Local Federal Coordinating Committee (LFCC), which serves as a “Board of Directors” for the local campaigns. Kendricks digs into the campaign every year by engaging with the PM ASE community through multiple avenues. This year, the campaign ran from September 3 to January 25 with the theme “Give Happy”. She began her outreach the very first day with strategic digital and physical marketing to simply get out the word and educate new employees about the program.
On a weekly basis, Kendricks promoted CFC within the organization by emails, verbal conversations, and handouts. She placed documents on bulletin boards, printed posters, and put them up in all visible common areas. She took advantage of any opportunity to promote the CFC Campaign during meetings, gatherings such as Organization Day, the Town Hall and other office events, manning booths and talking directly to the workforce. She made sure that the moments were captured by taking pictures of the organization engaging in fellowship and community awareness.
The entire leadership team from PM ASE supported Kendricks’ effort in promoting the CFC, recognizing the importance this charity represents to the local community and many deserving charities.
“The leadership of the organization were awesome with supporting the CFC Charge. Engaging alongside when opportunities permitted itself. Assisting by spreading awareness of the campaign by letters, memos, and other pertinent documents” said Kendricks “When information comes from the top, it shows that they are not only aware but are concerned and care.”
Col. Brock Zimmerman, PM ASE, congratulated Kendricks, saying “While it is a team effort, Kassel’s commitment to leading the push for this important campaign, as she does every year, is what put us ‘over the top’. I am proud of the organization for their generosity and know that these donations will reverberate throughout the Huntsville community and beyond.”
The CFC supports countless organizations. Some of Kendrick’s personal charities include the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Autism Research Center at May Institute, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation Inc. Other charities include, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, Feeding America and many, many more. You can learn more about the charities and how to support the CFC here: https://givecfc.org/.
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