D-M at 57 percent of CFC goal

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Washburn
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Combined Federal Campaign is in full swing here at D-M. The campaign kicked off on Sept. 9 and runs until Dec. 1. With a little less than a month left, D-M is 43 percent away from achieving its goal this year.

The 2011 CFC campaign is looking to surpass last year's total of $480,000. The target this year is $500,000 and the deadline to reach the appointed amount is Dec. 1, but could be extended until Dec. 31 if needed.

"The base is currently at 57 percent of its overall goal," said Capt. Jennifer Coughlin, 355th Medical Squadron medical readiness officer, and the base representative for the CFC. "We need to get people fired up about helping D-M reach its goal."

According to the CFC website, more than $2.6 million was raised in the 2010 Arizona CFC campaign, supporting more than 1,500 charities. Included in that list are a few charities that directly help the D-M community.

"D-M has 11 organizations that fall under the CFC," Coughlin said. "Personally, I've used the Child Development Center, the youth center and the Airman & Family Readiness Center.

The other organizations on D-M are Airmen Against Drunk Driving, enlisted spouse club, officers spouse club, family advocacy, Airman's Attic, youth programs, Operation Warmheart and the Culture of Responsible Choices.

Anybody can donate to the CFC, not just military members. The minimum amount is $10 and can be paid in cash or check. For those individuals in the military, payroll deductions are another option. Those donating fill out a pledge card and designate what charities to donate to.

"Our numbers in the last couple of years and the amount of givers have been very small," Coughlin said. "It's very important for us to get the word out to the whole base. There has to be some organization that people are passionate about. When we give to D-M's local organizations, we're really giving back to ourselves."

Federal employees continue to make the CFC the largest and most successful workplace philanthropic fundraiser in the world. Continuing a long-standing tradition of giving, federal employees raised more than $281.5 million for charitable causes around the world in 2010.

For more information on the CFC, visit the website at www.opm.gov/cfc/ or to find out how to donate, call Captain Coughlin at 228-2577, Master Sgt. Bruce Archer at 228-7447 or Master Sgt. Thomas Jones at 228-5870.