Annual charitable campaign is launched Sept. 1 at Keesler Published Aug. 24, 2011 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 2011 Combined Federal Campaign kicks off Sept. 1 with two special events at the Bay Breeze Event Center. The Southern Mississippi Combined Federal Campaign kickoff breakfast is at 8 a.m. At 3:30 p.m., the base's drive begins in conjunction with the monthly promotion and recognition ceremony. This year marks CFC's 50th anniversary, according to Brig. Gen. Andrew Mueller, 81st Training Wing commander, who's chairing the regional CFC coordinating committee. "CFC's mission is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost efficient and effective in providing all federal employees to make meaningful differences and improve the quality of life for all," the general said. CFC offers federal civilian, postal and military employees the opportunity to donate through simple payroll deduction to more than 20,000 health and human service charities around the world. Donors may designate contributions to their preferred recipients. The Keesler drive runs through Oct. 14 and the regional campaign ends Dec. 15. CFC was developed to eliminate year-round solicitation in the workplace by charitable organizations and has become the hallmark of charitable giving. "Since the inception of the Combined Federal Campaign in 1961, federal employees have contributed nearly $7 billion to a variety of charities," Mueller said. "Last year, generous federal employees collectively donated $281.5 million to CFC charities throughout the world." The goal for this year's regional campaign is $730,000, with 25 percent participation among federal employees. "In recent years, the south Mississippi CFC campaign has done a phenomenal job at exceeding the financial goal, but has fallen short in the number of participants, which shows that our generous contributors have big hearts," the general pointed out. "Our support can have a powerful impact on a global as well as a local level. Even a modest donation can make a huge difference to those in need." For more information or to make a contribution, contact your unit CFC representative.