Return to the "POINTER VIEW"
                         September 27, 2002

Post gears up for CFC

By Kathy Eastwood
Staff Writer

It’s that time again. The annual Department of Defense Combined Federal Campaign started Sept. 18 and runs through Dec. 15.

The annual event raises funds for more than 1,600 charities on the local, national and international level, said Nancy Hannigan, Chief of the Administrative Services Branch here.

"The CFC mission is to support and promote philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all," Hannigan said.

The CFC event is the only authorized fund-raising drive conducted by federal employees in their workplaces.

The DoD-wide goal is to raise $11.3 million dollars this year, according to the Vice Chair of CFC, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz.

"DoD’s service members have elevated service to its highest expression in Afghanistan, along with other men and women who stand watch throughout the world and across our country in this war against terrorism. While they serve us so well, the charities of CFC give gifts of education, nutrition and life-giving support to those who need it, whatever the crisis, wherever it happens," the Secretary said to federal workers gathered in his Washington, D.C., conference room Sept. 18 for the annual CFC kickoff.

According to an article released by the American Forces Press Service,Wolfowitz also spoke about the generosity of DoD workers in both the military and civilian capacity.

"Last year, the generous people of this department outdid themselves by giving more than $12.5 million, $1.5 million over our goal," he said.

This year’s campaign is dedicated to the memory of David O. "Doc" Cooke in honor of his many years of service as National Capital Area Combined Federal Campaign chairman. Wolfowitz told the gathering that Cooke raised more than half a billion dollars during his 11 years as CFC chairman of the board.

Also talking part in the Washington kickoff ceremony was Ann M. Veneman, secretary of agriculture and the CFC and national capital area chair.

"President Bush has declared that this should be a September of service," Veneman said. "He has urged the American people to fight evil with acts of kindness by reaching out to a neighbor, by hugging a child or lending a hand to someone in need.

"What better way is there to show our service than to participate actively and give through the CFC?"

Hannigan said the West Point community has always been generous and she expects that trend to continue.

"West Point federal employees may contribute in one of two ways; through a one-time cash or check donation, or via payroll deduction," Hannigan explained. "Individuals wishing to make a donation should fill out pledge cards that will be made available by their activity’s CFC key-worker representatives."

Hannigan said there is also choice about what organizations receive the donations.

"People may choose to designate their pledges to a particular charity or have them added to a general fund that is divided between all participating charities receiving designations," she added.

For information on contributing contact the CFC key-worker at your activity or call 938-2331.