Aviano pledges $254K to CFC

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The Aviano Combined Federal Campaign came to a close this month with pledges totalling more than $250,000 for hundreds of charitable organizations.

The CFC, which runs October thru December, is the only authorized solicitation of Federal employees in their workplaces on behalf of approved charitable organizations, which includes hundreds of national, international and local groups.

"Aviano is a very generous community," said Senior Master Sgt. Chris Meyer, co-Aviano CFC project officer. "I personally have been contributing to CFC since I was an Airman, but about six years ago I lost my 17-year-old son in an automobile accident where he sustained a traumatic brain injury. After that I started to give my contributions to an organization that helped survivors of brain injuries."

"I believe most people have a story or significant event in their life that touches them close to home, whether it's something like my situation or for example someone's sister who has breast cancer or a young Airman who learned valuable life lessons through the Boys and Girls Club and wants to give something back," he said. "There are so many organizations that need support. CFC is a great way to make that happen and get your contributions to the place that matters most to you."

During the Aviano campaign, several organizations really stood out in Sergeant Meyer's mind including the Aviano Community Enlisted Spouses Club, who held a breast cancer awareness walk-a-thon that raised more than $5,000; the Aviano Middle School who held a trick-or-treat for UNICEF fundraiser netting more than $1,000; and the 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron who held a PT-a-Thon raising more than $3,000.

Exchange Car Sales, located next to the base exchange, was also very supportive of this year's base campaign, taking the lead on the CFC kick-off event in October, said Sergeant Meyer.

"I just want to thank the Aviano Air Base community for participating as individuals and organizations in making this year's campaign a success," said Sergeant Meyer. "Our unit coordinators and key persons did a great job at representing Aviano and bringing the CFC message forward."