WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh. -- The Combined Federal Campaign will begin its Miami Valley campaign Oct. 1 and run through Nov. 14 this year. Established in 1961, the CFC promotes and supports philanthropy though a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing federal employees with the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.

CFC is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the federal workplace on behalf of health and human welfare charitable organizations 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.

This year's Miami Valley CFC campaign includes fun special events such as a car show, golf outings, a basketball shoot and the annual Pumpkin Chuck, among others.

For the first time this year's CFC campaign includes a grand marshal from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base -- Michael Gill, SES executive director, Air Force Materiel Command. Gill's responsibilities in the campaign will include increasing awareness from the senior leadership perspective and helping to grow philanthropic spirit on Wright-Patterson AFB.

"Approved CFC charities provide programs and services, vital to our wounded warriors and veterans, the environment, critical health and human needs, education, arts and animal wel   fare Every donation matters," said 2014 campaign chair Lorry Tanner, chief, Financial Management Branch, Simulators Division, Agile Combat Support Directorate.

According to Tanner, if donors were to give only $52 a year (or $1 per week), CFC charities would be able to provide four sessions of rehabilitation care for an individual suffering a brain injury, 13 mobile meals for an elderly, home-bound individual, educational materials for 520 people about their role in protecting urban green space, and a two-piece suit for each of two men re-entering the work place.

The Miami Valley CFC campaign offers three   methods for donors to make contributions: electronically, by using a paper pledge form or by   credit/debit card.

New this year is universal giving, which provides donors the oppor   tunity to contribute to any charity that participates in the 151 CFC regions. The full list of this year's approved charities can be found on Miami Valley CFC's website www.miamivalleycfc.org or Office of Personnel Management's website  www.opm.gov/cfc. Payroll deductions will be made January-December 2015 for donors fulfilling pledges through a monthly allotment.
  
The official kickoff for this year's Miami Valley CFC campaign will be the CFC Charity Fair on Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wright State University Nutter Center. This event is open to all Department of Defense, federal and U.S. Postal Service employees and will include charity booths, giveaways, games and a free lunch.

For more information about CFC, contact Cindy Holbrook at 937-257-0295 or by email at cynthia.holbrook.ctr@us.af.mil.

MIAMI VALLEY COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN SPECIAL EVENTS

- Cruise-in for Charity car show Oct. 2 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Area B parking lot near museum annex

- Golf outing Oct. 3 Prairies Trace and Twin Base golf courses

- Charity Fair and Campaign Kickoff Oct. 8 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wright State University Nutter Center

- Lip Sync Battle Oct. 8 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Wright State University Nutter Center  

- Basketball Shoot Oct. 9 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wright Field Fitness Center

- Pumpkin Chuck Oct. 17 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

- Retiree Appreciation Day Oct. 24 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hope Hotel and Conference Center

- Agile Combat Support Paper Airplane Contest Oct.29 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Rotunda, Bldg. 12, Area B

- Victory Celebration Dec. 11 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Berry Room, Nutter Center