Pumpkin Chuck returns to raise funds for CFC

  • Published
  • By Diane Kofed
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Flying pumpkins, homemade pies, food trucks and a pumpkin pie speed eating contest could all be found near the flight line of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Oct. 17. All of these aspects were part of the 10th annual Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Pumpkin Chuck event.

Sponsored by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Pumpkin Chuck has traditionally been targeted to military and government employees located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. However, recently Pumpkin Chuck has become a public event, a move that increased involvement and provided the Dayton area a chance to experience an activity that is quickly growing in popularity throughout the country.

Teams were organized and tasked to build machines to launch pumpkins. Each team was competing to launch their pumpkins the farthest. A wide range of launching devices was used in the competition, including human-powered machines, trebuchets (a launching device that uses the energy of a counterweight to launch), and torsion devices (a catapult that launches after being pulled back tightly and then released).

The winners were divided into three classes, based on the size pumpkin that was being launched. Class A represented 8-pound pumpkins. The winning team was Team Ethos, launching their pumpkin 3,450 feet. Class B launched 2-pound pumpkins. Class B Team Chunk Works celebrated a victory, launching their pumpkin 480 feet. Class C (human-powered launchers) Team VA 2 won, hitting the target. 

More than 1,000 attendees enjoyed Pumpkin Chuck, and the event was successful in supporting CFC.

Pumpkin Chuck coins were also awarded to those who donated $3 or more to the CFC campaign.

"We raised $1,100 dollars for CFC from registration fees, coin sales, pledge forms, donations, and from the food trucks," said Hamid Eldahdah, a Pumpkin Chuck event organizer.

CFC fundraising events continue

CFC is one of the largest annual workplace charity campaigns, with more than 200

CFC campaigns throughout the country and internationally to help raise millions of dollars each year.

Pledges made by federal, civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season support eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.  

CFC is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the federal workplace and allows donors to direct contributions to the charity of the donor's choice.

The individuals who benefit from CFC donations include the hungry, homeless, disabled, at-risk youth, and families in   need.

Charities that provide programs and services benefitting the environment, animal welfare and the arts also participate.

"Making a difference together," is Miami Valley Combined Federal Campaign's 2014 theme.

This year's goals are to increase participation   and secure contributions of at least $2,310,000. To pledge online now through Nov. 14, go to  www.miamivalleycfc.org  .