Fund drive kicks off with Charity Fair at Nutter Center, mob dance to 'Happy' song Published Oct. 17, 2014 By Amy Rollins Skywrighter Staff WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Fun times, free food, good music and a chance to make a difference for a host of causes this year were all a part of a big celebration at Wright State University's Nutter Center. The 2014 Miami Valley Combined Federal Campaign officially started with the Charity Fair and Kickoff Oct. 8. This year's campaign runs through Nov. 14. Attendees at the charity fair and kickoff came to learn about the many programs and services provided by the 138 charities exhibiting along the Nutter Center concourse. There were also good ies from the many charity booths and a chance to watch the brave contestants in the Lip Sync Battle on stage. More than $60 was raised during a flash mob dance -- to Pharrell Williams' "Happy" -- employees from Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Contracting Di rectorate, performed. The stage for the battle, new this year, was set up on the lower level of the Nutter Center. The winning act was medical records worker April Milton and chemist Sally Eagan, both of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, who performed "The Scientist." Lt. Gen. John Thompson, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center commander, visited every charity booth and commented on how many great causes were represented around the concourse. Michael Gill, AFMC executive director and the 2014 MVCFC "grand marshal" said: "The CFC Charity Fair and Kickoff is just an outstanding opportunity to bring together helping agencies and those interested in lending a hand through their donations. Contributors can easily see here firsthand how their support of these organizations sustains the communities where we live and work." Lorry Tanner, MVCFC chair, pointed out that Wright-Patterson Air Force Base personnel are critical for a successful campaign. "Not only is it the largest federal workforce in the community, it is a very giving workforce," she said. "The Miami Valley is well known as a community that works together to support one another. During last year's shutdown, local charities stepped up to provide support to the federal workforce, and MVCFC is our opportunity to help those charities as well as other local, national and international charities," Tanner said. "As an Airman Basic I began contributing a dollar a month to CFC, and I have been consistently increasing that donation as I was able to in order to support the various charities I've become interested in," she continued. "That dollar made a difference 38 years ago, and a dollar makes a difference today." Doug Atkinson, director of engineering at AFLCMC, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces Directorate, is serving as MVCFC vice chair. With last year's campaign affected by furloughs and the government shutdown, it's a relief not to have such distractions, he acknowledged. "This is something I've wanted to do for a long time," he said. "I think the campaign has kicked off to a great start. The charities are really thankful to be here and have an opportunity to meet our employees and give them some information. "Last year was a rough year for everybody, but many of those charities helped our community," he said. "It is good to have them here so they have an opportunity to see some of the people they helped." He said he hopes to see the level of MVCFC participation raised, as that is one of the campaign's goals. As of Oct. 15, this year's campaign has already brought in $572,018 and 936 pledges. Supporting the event with his talents was disc jockey Billy Thomas from Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command. 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, Wright-Patterson AFB Junior Force Council, Mike-sell's Potato Chip Co., Spark Space Creative LLC, Tim Horton's, Starbucks and Defense Commissary Agency. "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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MVCFC PAPER AIRPLANE CONTEST › Oct. 29, noon, 1981 Monohan Way, Bldg. 12, Area B › Sponsored by Agile Combat Support Directorate › Two ways to enter: bring your own paper plane or build your plane at the contest (materials provided) › Compete in distance, time and accuracy › Categories for best style and design; most creative paper aircraft design (doesn't have to fly) › Design and fly (or not) a paper airplane carrier able to carry four mini planes › $1 per registrant › Lunch fundraiser with pizza or chicken sandwich at 11:30 a.m. › For rules and to register: http://tiny.cc/paper2014 -or- https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y9CNGZH