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2012 CFC campaign begins

  • Published
  • By Rebecca Burylo
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. - --  Giving from the heart is what Maxwell has done for 51 years, and once again personnel have a chance to give as the Heart of Alabama Campaign kicked off Sept. 21 at the Maxwell Club and will run through Nov. 9.

Military members at the kickoff had the opportunity to meet some of the charities supported through the CFC, as well as a chance to pledge a portion of their paycheck to any number of CFC supportive charities.

Col. Trent Edwards, commander of the 42nd Air Base Wing, opened the formal portion of the event and emphasized Maxwell's influential role in supporting the organizations of the CFC.

"Team Maxwell-Gunter has a rich history of spirited giving, which has a positive impact to charities that participate in CFC. CFC charities in the local area span from those giving live-saving chemotherapy treatments to charities that provide relief to victims of natural disasters, as well as our very own Airmen and Family Readiness Center that services Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex," said Edwards.

Edwards gives to different CFC charities each year.

"For me personally, I give because I believe in giving back to those agencies that help support others who may be less fortunate or in need of assistance because of unexpected life changing events," he said. "Due to unexpected circumstances like natural disasters or diseases, for example, we may have to rely on the good heartedness of charities to assist us and our families. It's why I give, so that I help others in some small way - every little bit helps."

Lt. Gen. David Fadok, Air University commander and president and co-chair of the CFC, stressed to the audience the huge impact Airmen's support contributes to the campaign through a video, "There When It Counts," shot by AU Public Affairs TV.

"The Air University and Maxwell-Gunter team are an integral part of the Heart of Alabama CFC program," said Fadok. "Life with its twists and turns often brings unexpected challenges, but it is comforting to know that through our giving, CFC's charities will be there to deliver vital services whenever needed."

At the event, more than 30 charitable organizations gave out information and provided door-prizes for participants. Some organizations represented included the American Red Cross, the Montgomery Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, the Family Sunshine Center and the Children's Center of Montgomery.

Last year Maxwell raised $667,530, which was 25 percent over its goal, according to 2nd Lt. Elliott Battle, lead installation CFC project officer.

This year, Maxwell's goal is set at $558,405 with a stretch goal of $642,165. The overall Heart of Alabama CFC goal is set at $1,150,000. Last year, contributions from Maxwell made up more than 50 percent of the overall campaign's goal, said Xavier "Lew" Lewis, director of the Heart of Alabama Combined Federal Campaign.

"The Maxwell-Gunter community, consisting of about 45 participating organizations, has consistently remained the campaign's 'pacesetter,'" said Lewis, who has been director for the past 15 years.

Through the CFC's payroll deduction option, participants are able to spread out their total pledged contribution over a year's time. Deductions begin from the employee's first pay period in January to the last pay period in December.

According to the CFC website, more than 90 percent of the campaign's funds were raised by using the payroll deduction method last year, with $7 billion raised since it began 50 years ago to provide services to children, the homeless, natural disaster areas and the environment.

Organized in the 1960s, the CFC is the only authorized organization allowed in the workplace for all federal employees to contribute to charitable organizations.

For information, contact the unit CFC coordinator or visit www.heartofalabamacfc.org