Combined Federal Campaign kicks off

  • Published
  • By Cindy Holbrook
  • Skywrighter Staff
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio --  Fun times, free food, good music and a chance to make a difference in someone's life this year were all a part of a big celebration at Wright State University's Nutter Center.

The 2012 Miami Valley Combined Federal Campaign offi cially started with the Charity Fair and Kickoff Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year's campaign runs from Oct. 3 through Nov. 14.

Attendees at the charity fair and kickoff came to learn about the many programs and services provided by the 140 charities exhibiting at the event and set up along the Nutter Center concourse. There was also food, fun, music, goodies from the many charity booths, and a chance to vote for the many Soapbox Race cars on display.

The Soapbox cars and dining tables were set up on the lower level of the Nutter Center. The cars were on display and attendees could "vote" by making a monetary donation for their favorite car. The winning car, the one that receives the most "votes," will receive the "People's Choice" trophy. There will be nine teams battling it out in the Soapbox Race that takes place Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the acceleration ramp in Area B.

This year's campaign has already brought in $142,875 through the CFC golf outing, 222 e-pledges and the Soapbox Race "People Choice" Award. The Sept. 7 golf outing at Prairie Trace and Twin Base golf courses brought in $4,300, e-pledge $137,556 and the "People's Choice" Award $1,019.

"I am very excited about this year's campaign," said Gail P. Forest, director, Plans and Programs, Air Force Research Laboratory, who is this year's campaign chair. "Last year we implemented several new ideas, such as incorporating our Junior Force members in the plan- ning process and introducing e-pledge, which allowed employees to pledge online instead of filling out the paper form. I want us to continue the momentum we had last year and again exceed our donation goals. There is so much need and this is a good way for us to give a little each pay period, and help so many worthy causes.
Therefore, my expectation is that we contact all federal and postal employees in the Miami Valley CFC region to give them the opportunity to make a difference."

Ms. Forest's responsibilities include working with the campaign vice chair, Don Thompson, to develop strategies for the campaign, increasing participation, retaining donors, developing donor appreciation and volunteer recognitions. Mr. Thompson, deputy director, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center AF Security Assistance Cooperation Directorate (WF), planned all aspects of the kickoff along with his "Dream Team" consisting of Kelly Miller, Kristi Hostetter and Brianna Steele, all from AFLCMC/WF.

They engaged more than 70 volunteers from inside and outside the fence who skillfully managed parking lot traffic, oversaw the food preparation, provided DV escorts, decorated tables and more.

Music for the event was provided by disc jockey Billy Thomas from headquarters, Air Force Materiel Command/A4. Sincere appreciation also went out to the organizations that generously provided in-kind goods or services for the event, including Wright State University's Nutter Center, JTM Food Group, Cheryl & Co., Wright Brothers Institute, GEICO, Ovations Food Services, Pep-si Beverages Company and Wright-Patt Junior Force Council.

"Making a difference together," is Miami Valley Combined Federal Campaign's 2012 theme. This year's goals are to increase participation and secure contributions of at least $3 million. To pledge online now through Nov. 14, go to www.miamivalleycfc.org.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming CFC events:
· Oct. 19 - Pumpkin Chuck, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Spinning Road entrance of the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

To participate, build a machine and enter in one of the 4 categories:
Class A: large pumpkin chuck with 6-lb. pumpkins in a distance competition; Class B: small pumpkin chuck with 2-lb. pumpkins in distance competition (machine size limited); Class C: apple cannon accuracy competition; Class D: human-powered accuracy competition (chucker and pumpkin provided ).

If you're not into building a machine, then try out your culinary skills by entering the pumpkin pie baking contest. New this year is an interoffice pumpkin cream pie speed eating contest. Enter with a coworker and try to devour a pie as fast as you can.

To sign up for any of the competitions or to volunteer email the Pumpkin Chuck coordination team at AFLCMC.EN-EZ.CFC.Pumpkin.Chuck@wpafb.af.mil or check out www.miamivalleycfc.org.