More than 80 charity organizations promoted their services during Fort Carson's 2010 "iCan Change Tomorrow Today" Combined Federal Campaign Charity Fair and Chili Cook-Off Oct. 12 at the Special Events Center.
Mountain Post officials have set a monetary goal of $585,000 for this year's edition of the world's largest annual workplace charity campaign to raise support for 2,900 eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.
Col. Robert F. McLaughlin, garrison commander and chairman of the CFC local federal coordinating committee, kicked off the football-themed festivities noting that the campaign is all about taking care of each other, and that he is looking forward to a good season.
"I'm confident that the generosity we have here on this team will meet and exceed the expectations that we set last year," he said. "It's about teamwork and, as far as I can see, we have the best team in the Army here at Fort Carson."
Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and Pikes
Peak Region CFC chairman, said the Mountain Post community "eternally endeavors" to serve the nation.
"The 'iCan' aspect of CFC captures what those of us who serve (in uniform) and those that support those who serve have really spent their whole life doing, and that is making a difference and always saying 'I can' no matter how difficult it is," Perkins said.
Soldiers continue to contribute to the CFC while they put their lives on the line for the nation, a symbol Perkins says is indicative of the selfless service of those who wear the uniform today.
"(They are) always looking for ways to support the people of our nation and the people of our communities, and there is no better way to do that ... than through the Combined Federal Campaign," he said.
Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A.
Dailey, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, noted the campaign provides Soldiers at Fort Carson the opportunity to pay it forward.
"There are so many people out there (in the community) reaching out to help our Soldiers; it's our time to give back," he said.
The annual campaign provides an avenue for members of the Fort Carson community to give to the charity of their choice during the only drive authorized to solicit donations from federal employees, said
Staff Sgt. David Braadland, installation project officer.
Active-duty military and government civilians may elect for their donations to be disbursed through payroll deduction or may make one-time cash or check payments. Contractors and members of the National Guard and Reserve can participate by making a cash or check donation. Contributions made by Fort Carson Soldiers while deployed overseas will be counted in the overseas campaign numbers.
As always, the Fort Carson goal is to make 100-percent contact and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate, Braadland said. Keyworkers have begun distributing CFC brochures and donation forms, which are also available at http://www.peakcfc.com. For more information contact the unit CFC representative or Braadland at 526-4944 or 440-8463.
In addition to gathering information about the
80 charities on hand, attendees had the opportunity to vote for their favorites among 26 entries in the chili cook-off competition. This year's bragging rights for the best chili belong to the Garrison Safety Office's "Buffalo Sage" chili. The Garrison's Plans, Analysis and Integration Office received the most creative chili award and the Battle Command
Training Branch, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, earned the most votes in the best table decoration category.
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