CFC kicks off Sept. 29

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LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  The 2010 Combined Federal Campaign kicks off Sept. 29 at Little Rock Air Force Base.

According to CFC's official website, the mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.

"This year's Team Little Rock goal is 100 percent contact of the more than 5,000 military and federal employees eligible to pledge, with a participation goal of more than 50 percent," said Capt. John Chybowski, a 50th Airlift Squadron pilot and base CFC coordinator. "The base is looking to raise $250,000 during the CFC campaign, which runs from Wednesday until Nov. 9."

Since 1971, CFC has been the sole authorized workplace charitable campaign for the federal service. CFC administrators and volunteers reach potential donors through more than 200 local organizations, and givers may contribute via cash, check, or payroll deduction. Pledge forms are available through local coordinators and online at regional CFC websites.

CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 300 CFC campaigns throughout the country and internationally to help to raise millions of dollars each year. Pledges made by federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

According to OPM figures, 2009 CFC pledges totaled nearly $282.6 million, a 2.7 percent increase over the previous year. The campaign has garnered more than $6 billion in charitable contributions since its inception in 1961.

Charities wishing to participate in CFC must complete an annual application process. Organizations may apply to be listed as local, national or international charities depending on their area of service. Members of the Office of Personnel Management, which oversee the program, maintain strict eligibility and public accountability criteria that all participating CFC charities must meet.

The Team Little Rock CFC group is hosting a CFC kick off lunch 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Hangar 1080 ballroom. This lunch is open to all unit commanders, chiefs, first sergeants and CFC key workers. The lunch is $8.50 per person. For more information or to sign up, call Captain Chybowski at 987-8215.

(From compiled reports)