RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Team Randolph will kick off another Combined Federal Campaign with a breakfast at 7 a.m. Wednesday in the Parr O'Club.
Military and civilian personnel at Randolph will have an opportunity to contribute to the campaign - an annual fund-raising event benefiting nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits - through Oct. 23.
The 12th Flying Training Wing's target for 2009 is $215,193, the same as last year's, but leadership is also seeking 100 percent contact.
"There are more than 2,000 national agencies and nearly 300 local organizations that receive funding from CFC - every little bit counts," said Col. Jacqueline Van Ovost, 12th FTW commander. "Although our monetary target is the same as last year's, our overall goal is 100 percent contact. I am confident in our ability to work together and make this year's campaign just as successful as 2008's."
She said today's economic climate makes the CFC even more important.
"These are tough times, which cause increased stress on all, especially those who need special services in our communities," Colonel Van Ovost said.
Capt. Shannon Burke, 12th FTW CFC project officer, said the wing exceeded last year's target with a final tally of $257,606, or 119 percent of the target. The participation rate was 38.99 percent.
"Our hope is to increase the participation rate," she said.
Captain Burke said every donation makes a difference. For example, giving up one pizza each month - a donation of $10 per month - will buy lunch for one student each day of the school year.
"We ask that people participate in any way that they can," she said.
Captain Burke said key workers will contact military and civilian employees in their workplaces and explain the Combined Federal Campaign.
"They will talk to them about their options and how their contribution makes a difference," she said. "It's very easy to make a donation. Participants have many charities to choose from. There is something in there for everyone."
Participants in the campaign can donate money to charitable agencies - all of them prescreened by federal employees - through payroll deduction or cash contribution. Contributors' brochures will be distributed on base, and participants will designate one or more of the agencies for contributions.
CFC is the world's largest annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 300 fund-raisers that raise millions of dollars, according to its Web site, www.opm.gov/cfc. Pledges are made by federal civilian, postal and military donors.
Group representatives for the 12th FTW are Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Roth, Wing Staff Organizations, 652-6121; Capt. Jason Reynolds, 12th Operations Group, 652-4823; Deb Spice, 12th Maintenance Directorate, 652-6009; 1st Lt. Nicholas Borowski, 12th Mission Support Group, 652-8963; and Master Sgt. Jason Caszatt, 12th Medical Group, 652-9214.
Other representatives are 1st Lt. Antony Barrios, AETC, 652-2122; Capt. John Riley, Air Force Manpower Agency, 652-0144; Capt. Jeff Anderson, AFPC, 565-3556; Tech. Sgt. Shawn Amerson, AFRS, 565-0342; and Maj. Rich McClintic, 19th Air Force, 652-6892.
The kickoff breakfast will feature a guest speaker. Cost is $10 for Parr O'Club members, $12 for nonmembers. To RSVP, call Captain Burke at 565-9277 or e-mail her at shannon.burke@randolph.af.mil by today.