VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- For nearly two months, members of Team Vandenberg will seek donations for the 2016 Combined Federal Campaign, here, Oct. 17 through Dec. 9.
Pledges made during the campaign will support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.
The CFC, established in 1961, is an annual program that allows federal government employees to make contributions to non-profit organizations. 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.
“The CFC is a DoD-wide fundraiser seeking to minimize cost and improve efficiencies for raising funds for countless charities,” said 1st Lt. Marquis Smith, 30th Medical Support Squadron Tricare Operations and Patient Administration flight commander. “It is important to support because it is likely contributing to a cause you are already passionate about and this is an easy way to support any one of thousands of charities – be it local, national or international. Supporting the CFC is not about supporting the DoD or even the base reaching its goal, it’s about being able to support any effort you want through an efficient and effective campaign.”
While Vandenberg typically exceeds its yearly fundraising goal, coordinators expect this year to be no exception and have established a reasonably attainable goal based on past numbers.
“The 2016 CFC Team Vandenberg goal is $125,000,” said Master Sgt. Kimberly Sims, 30th Operations Support Squadron weather flight chief. “Vandenberg raised over $127,000 last year and over $154,000 in 2014. These amounts have always exceeded the goals set and that’s thanks to the generous men and women who take time to participate in the campaign.”
Donating to the charity of one’s choosing has become even more feasible – as participants can give in a variety of ways.
“Making your pledge for donation is becoming increasingly easy through the use of electronic pledges on the CFC of greater SoCal website and mypay, which all federal employees have access to,” said Sims. “There is also something relatively new called Universal Giving. This opens donations to qualifying organizations outside of the Southern California region. For example, if I want to continue supporting my local humane society back home, if they are participating, I can donate to them through CFC. We also make sure people are aware of the vast majority of charities they can support through CFC. There is literally something out there for everyone. I’m happy to answer any questions anyone may have.”
Campaign coordinators advise base personnel to be on the lookout for upcoming events and fundraising.
“Be on the lookout for base wide fundraisers,” said Smith. “We are looking to kick-off the campaign with a donut fundraiser and end it with a raffle full of great prizes.”