Keesler begins annual Combined Federal Campaign

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Duncan McElroy
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
The Combined Federal Campaign kicked off Oct. 3, in conjunction with Boss and Buddy Night at the Bay Breeze Collocated Club and featured more than a dozen local and national charities.

Starting Oct. 1, and running until Nov. 14, the CFC is the world's largest annual federal charity campaign that helps raise millions of dollars with more than 170 campaigns across the U.S. and internationally.

"This year we are keeping our focus on meaningful contact to everyone here at Keesler," said Capt. Elicia Brown, installation CFC coordinator. "Let's take our eyes off one big monetary goal, and keep our focus on something simple... the opportunity to give."

All federal employees are encouraged to make a one-time monetary donation of $20, either by making a payroll deduction or a onetime monetary gift. More than 1,000 organizations and charities are being represented by the CFC, so anyone can find a charity that suites their cause to donate, Brown added.

"The big opportunity for us is not only can we donate time and energy to the local charities, but it's also an opportunity to donate financially," said Brig. Gen. Patrick Higby, 81st Training Wing commander. "One of the blessings we have in the United States Air Force is we have a relatively stable income. That allows us to deliberately plan and set aside a fixed amount of money [for this]."

The CFC is held yearly to promote and support philanthropy by giving federal employees the opportunity to donate and improve the quality of life for others, said Brown. Since donor contributions began being tracked in 1964, the CFC has helped raise more than $8 billion.

"Ultimately, the importance and goal is to offer the opportunity for a federal employee to give," said Brown. "The saying is true, often times it takes a village to raise a child. The CFC is the mechanism for our community to assist."

A fundraising event for Team Keesler is scheduled for Nov. 6, at the Bay Breeze Event Center, in addition to Autumnfest. Activities will include a chili cook-off, basket raffles, a pie-in-the-face contest and a 5k run.

For more information on the CFC, a list of the charities being represented and opportunities to donate, visit www.greatermsfc.org or email Brown at elicia.brown@us.af.mil.