Combined Federal Campaign drive kicks off Sept. 30 Published Sept. 23, 2008 By Connie J. Schlosberg 21st Space Wing Project Management Division PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Combined Federal Campaign of the Pikes Peak Region is having its annual fundraising drive from Sept.30 through Nov. 13. 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 distributed equally 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 Nixon ordered the CFC to be the uniform fundraising effort for federal service. This effort allows federal employees to choose from more than 2,000 charitable agencies from one brochure and simplify contributions through payroll deductions. The CFC created a win-win situation, where employees can easily practice philanthropy and charities have opportunities to receive generous donations. The CFC is the most successful, as well as the largest fundraising program in the world! CFC contributions for 2007 set the record by exceeding $271 million with $2.2 million coming from the Pikes Peak region. This year's campaign theme is 'Faces of Change.' We have the power to change our community, our nation and our world for the better. Our contributions can help bring hope to those who could really use it. This is our chance to use our generosity to eradicate disease, illiteracy, hunger, poverty and homelessness. Any donated amount is significant in making an impact on human health and welfare. For example, an annual contribution of $200 (only about $8 per pay period) can buy schoolbooks and supplies for eight underprivileged children per year. All contributions to the CFC can be tax deductible. A small amount each paycheck adds up to a huge difference. 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 donate to one or more of the many causes changing society for the better. There will also be two new CFC awareness events -- a Kickoff 5K Fun Run and a charity fair with representatives from local charities -- for the 2008 campaign. Both events will be held on Oct. 1. The run begins at 11:30 a.m. at Peterson's fitness center. Sign up for the run at the base fitness center; the first 100 people who sign up and complete the run will receive a t-shirt. The charity fair will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Bldg. 350 atrium. Please contact your key worker or visit www.peakcfc.com for more CFC information.