Team Aviano pledges $235k to CFC

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Team Aviano recently showed they can "Make a World of Difference" by surpassing the 2011 Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas goal by more than $20,000.

During the 60-day campaign, which ran Oct. 3 through Dec. 2, more than 1,200 base employees pledged $235,879.92 to the more than 2,500 local, national and international charities available.

"Our combined Aviano community area had a fantastic showing in this year's campaign," said Capt. Jose Garcia, CFC coordinator. "We increased donations by 18 percent over last year's campaign, increased participation by 75 percent and not only met, but exceeded what was an admittedly ambitious goal. The Aviano community has a lot to be proud of."

The CFC is the largest and most successful workplace philanthropic fundraiser in the world and is run by federal volunteers worldwide with nearly four million federal employees and military personnel able to contribute to charities of their choice. It is the only authorized solicitation of federal employees in their workplaces on behalf of approved charitable organizations. This year's campaign marked the CFC's 50th year of helping people in need, earning more than $6.8 billion to date.

Aviano's campaign kicked off with an opening ceremony Oct. 3 featuring opening remarks by Brig. Gen. Scott Zobrist, 31st Fighter Wing commander.

While the CFC-O only operates once a year, contributors can donate directly to the charity of their choice year round. To find a charity, visit www.cfcoverseas.org and click on "Charity Search."