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| News > After successful kick-off, Lajes CFC continues |
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Airman 1st Class Zachary Thompson, 65th Communications Squadron, cyber systems technician, slides down a hill with muddy water during the Tuff Mudder challenge, Sept. 17, 2012, Lajes Field. (Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chenzira Mallory)
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After successful kick-off, Lajes CFC continues
Posted 9/28/2012 Updated 10/15/2012
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by Staff Sgt. Erica Horner
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
9/28/2012 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- Lajes Field began its Combined Federal Campaign Sept. 17 with a 'Tuff Mudder' obstacle course but the campaign continues through Nov. 19.
The kickoff raised just over $700, and CFC Project officers Capt. Ruben Covos and Master Sgt. Keith Morales are confident the Lajes community will keep on giving.
"Lajes is a small, but giving community," said Morales, operations superintendent for the 65th Security Forces Squadron. "Everyone's pockets are tight these days, but I encourage others to give what you can."
CFC was given its name when charities were 'combined' in 1964 after on-the-job fundraising in the federal workplace was regulated less. After an experiment in 1971 when six cities consolidated all drives into a one-time donation period and contributions jumped significantly, President Richard Nixon announced that the CFC would be the only uniformed fundraising method for the federal service.
"CFC is the only approved fundraiser for military personnel and it's also the most effective," said Morales. "It's a combined campaign so many charities are represented and many organizations can donate."
Last year, Lajes Field raised $91,000 for the CFC, and led United States Air Forces in Europe bases with a 95% contribution rate.
"We have a huge footprint with the CFC," said Covos. "We had deployed members that were contacted, and they contributed as well."
One specific charity is the Family Support and Youth Programs, FSYP, which is a Lajes-specific charity.
"Last year, we raised $91,000 and $13,000 of that went straight back to Lajes," said Covos, the Chaplain for the 65th Air Base Wing. "We don't give a cut or a percentage. Those are direct Lajes dollars, and we can use it for playgrounds, gym improvements, or youth facilities."
In addition, the donations made to the FSYP help fund child care, emergency assistance, community education and other quality of life programs and facilities.
This year, Covos and Morales hope to maintain that same goal from last year.
"$91,000 would be awesome, but we're shooting for higher participation and 100% contact," said Morales.
Those that donate during the campaign period support eligible non-profit organizations throughout the world.
"Anybody can donate," said Morales. "If you are an active duty member or an LG/GS employee, you can donate, and anyone can give a one-time donation or payroll deduction. The local community can donate as well, but it has to be a cash contribution."
Even if you only give a one-time donation of $4, that will go far.
"$4 will get a portable water filter- a product called LifeStraw- so people can drink clean water and they're good for 6 months...just four dollars," said Covos. "How much do we pay for a Starbucks coffee? Use that money to donate; there's a stack of charities that depend on our contributions."
In 2012, contributors who pledge $150 or more, which is just $12.50 a month, will receive the CFC collector's coin, and units that are eligible can also receive an award depending on the average amount raised and the unit's participation.
"Just about every unit on base received an award last year," said Morales. "It takes a community to do this, and raise this much money, and we pulled together and did it."
To contribute to this year's Combined Federal Campaign, contact your unit representative.
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