Ramstein kicks off 57th CFC

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristof J. Rixmann
  • 86 Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Army and Air Force members from the Kaiserslautern Military Community took part in a bubble-soccer game on Vogelweh Military Complex, Germany, Oct. 16, 2017, to kickoff the 57th annual Combined Federal Campaign.

The game was hosted to raise awareness about the CFC and the many charities federal employees are able to donate to from Oct. 16- Dec. 15 through this campaign.

“This year’s theme is ‘Show Some Love,’” said 1st Lt. Robert Bligh, 86th Airlift Wing CFC community project officer. “The Combined Federal Campaign offers a time frame of two months for federal employees to donate to vetted organizations.”

Technical Sgt. Rashid Watts, 86th Airlift Wing CFC community project officer, further explained why the CFC is a two-month event.

“Charities used to come to the base seeking donations sporadically throughout the year,” said Watts. “The purpose of the CFC’s creation in 1961 was to concentrate this fundraising into a two month time frame to maximize awareness of the vetted charities.”

According to Bligh, the charities are vetted by a panel of CFC members who determine where the charities’ resources are going, how the money is allocated, and who is benefiting from the charities’ efforts.

There are some notable differences this year, made in an effort to allow more people to donate.

“We have a few changes this year,” said Watts. “The first change is retirees are now able to make donations. The second change we have this year is instead of donating money you’re able to donate time through volunteer work.”

These two changes make it easier to contribute and raise more awareness, which is the goal for this year’s campaign.

“This year our main goal is 100 percent contact and make sure we talk with everybody,” said Bligh. “Our goal is to make sure each person in each unit has been spoken to either by a (point of contact) or one of us to ensure they are aware of what the CFC does and what its impact is.”

Federal employees and retirees are reminded they have until Dec. 15 to make a donation through the CFC.

“This gives people time to research these organizations so people can make an informed decision and feel good about it,” said Bligh.