CFC focuses on philanthropy Published Sept. 14, 2009 By Connie J. Schlosberg 21st Space Wing Project Management Division PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Combined Federal Campaign of the Pikes Peak Region kicks off its annual fundraising drive Sept. 21. The 2009 campaign theme focuses on the iCan giving philosophy where every federal employee can choose to say iCan make a difference by giving through the CFC. The campaign continues through Nov. 6. The CFC is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the federal government workplace on behalf of charitable organizations. Every year federal, military and postal employees are encouraged to help raise much-needed dollars through the CFC for qualified non-profit charities. Every charitable organization is screened by the CFC. All money contributed to the CFC is disbursed to the charitable organizations that the donors specify to receive their contributions. Unspecified amounts are equally distributed among the participating charities. The CFC's mission is to support and promote 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. Started in 1964 by federal employees, the CFC's intent was to bring the diversity of fundraising efforts under one umbrella creating one campaign per year. In 1971, President Richard Nixon ordered the CFC to be the uniform fundraising effort for federal service. This effort allows federal employees to choose among thousands of charitable agencies from one brochure and simplify contributions through payroll deductions. The CFC is the most successful as well as the largest fundraising program in the world. Campaign contributions for 2008 exceeded $273 million, with $2.1 million coming from the Pikes Peak Region. The iCan philosophy allows us to change our community, our nation and our world for the better. This is our chance to use our generosity to eradicate disease, illiteracy, hunger, poverty and homelessness. Any donated amount is significant, and here's proof that small contributions really do add up. For the 2009 campaign, if every person in the 21st Space Wing campaign, including tenant units, contributed just one hour of their pay per pay period, the 21st SW could raise more than $1 million. Soon volunteer key workers will be requesting our participation in joining the team of donors who are making a difference. Be a part of the solution and choose to donate to one or more of the many causes changing society for the better. Contact your key worker or visit www.peakcfc.com for more CFC information.