Aviano CFC-Overseas pledges surpass $300K

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 31st Fighter Wing public affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Federal employees assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing showed how they can "Make a World of Difference" during the 2009 Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas as they surpassed their 2008 contributions by nearly $49,000.

During the 68-day campaign which ran here Oct. 5 thru Dec. 11, more than 1,600 base employees pledged $302,971.11 for the more than 2,000 CFC approved participating organizations, which includes national, international and local groups that support causes closest to their hearts. 

Tech. Sgt. Steven Luu, Aviano CFC assistant campaign coordinator, said he's found through the Aviano CFC campaign that the men and women of Aviano Air Base (and surrounding military instillations) are hands down the most professional and hard working he's ever seen.

"From [American Forces Network-Aviano] to the base public affairs, the call to raise money for worthy charities was disseminated in a way that was courteous, professional, and heartfelt," said Sergeant Luu. "As a whole, we not only [exceeded] $300,000, but we surpassed Gen. Roger Brady's goal of 40 percent participation."

Aviano proved that whether it's one or a thousand dollars, the importance is on the intent of the person giving, and the culture of giving shown on the base, said Sergeant Luu.

While everyone deserves a heartfelt thank you for their contribution, it's worth mentioning that 100 percent of those contacted in the 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron contributed during this year's campaign.

"The Combined Federal Campaign is very important to me because it allows me to give back to those who are in need of help," said Senior Airman George Hill, a 31st Medical Group CFC point of contact. "I am proud to be a part of the medical group family, which had 90 percent program participation this year and rose close to $50,000.

"Recently, an Airman who annually donates to CFC shared her testimony with me and explained why she felt so strongly about the program. This Airman has been giving to the "Make a Wish Foundation" ever since her best friend's son almost died of leukemia when he was 2 years old. The little boy was in and out of the hospital for two years undergoing chemotherapy and courageously fighting for his life. "Make a Wish Foundation" contacted the child and his family and granted him his ultimate wish. Not only did the foundation make this little boy's dreams come true when they took him and his entire family to Disney World, but they also bought them household goods and gifts for the next two years.

"This story is just one of many testimonies that are told as a direct result of the Combined Federal Campaign," said Airman Hill. "This program changes lives. I'm so fortunate to be a part of it."

The CFC began in the early 1960's to coordinate the fundraising efforts of various charitable organizations so that the federal donor would only be solicited once in the workplace and have the opportunity to make charitable contributions through payroll deduction.

Federal employees continue to make the CFC the largest and most successful workplace philanthropic fundraiser in the world. In 2007, federal employees rose more than $273 million dollars for charitable causes around the world.

For more information about the purpose of the CFC, go to http://www.cfcoverseas.org/about_the_combined_federal_campaign_cfc. For more information about the history of the CFC, go to http://www.cfcoverseas.org/cfc_history.