CFC Rodeo to provide Eielson chance to meet with charity representatives

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Karen J. Tomasik
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The 2015 Combined Federal Campaign is in full swing and the Eielson CFC team comprised of volunteers from the 354th Fighter Wing and 168th Air Refueling Wing is working to make 100 percent contact to provide everyone the opportunity to give.

This year's campaign continues through Nov. 24 with the theme of "You Can Change a Life," and the CFC team is excited to announce the CFC rodeo on Nov. 6 and 7 at the Eielson Base Exchange.

Nearly a dozen local and statewide charities will be available to provide information about their organizations and the services they provide via contributions from things like the CFC.

"Anyone looking to make a donation can do so via cash or check donation that can be accepted on the spot," said 1st Lt. Eric Millen, the 354th Fighter Wing lead CFC representative. "In addition, should anyone wish to make a payroll deduction, the representatives from the CFC keyworker table will be standing by with pledge forms and extensive knowledge of the donation process and charity codes for the invited charities to make the contribution swift and easy."

Wing leadership will kick off the event Nov. 6 at 11 a.m., and charity representatives will have booths available with information between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day.

"Donating to the CFC is an excellent way to participate in one of the largest and longest running consolidated charity fundraisers in the Department of Defense," explained Millen. "Together through our donations we can make a collective effort to support all of the more than 22,000 charities approved for this year's campaign. Every one of us is passionate about something that affects either our families or friends and the CFC is an excellent opportunity to share your support in order to help make these charity organizations successful."

Contributing to this year's CFC is easier than ever with online donation methods and paper pledge forms. Contributions can be done via check, cash and/or payroll deduction using paper pledge form which CFC representatives can help people complete. Other options are online payroll deductions via MyPay and a one-time credit card payment utilizing the CFC Nexus website. If donating via the Nexus site, select the correct lead unit from Eielson among the three options listed: 354th Fighter Wing, 168th Air Refueling Wing or Clear Air Station.

"Please be sure to take a look at our local charity lists in order to help out worthy causes right here in the state of Alaska."

One question that usually comes up is how charities get approved for the campaign.

"For charities to be approved and included in each year's campaign charity list, they must meet CFC eligibility requirements, which are validated by agencies working for CFC at the national level," explained Millen. "If you would like to nominate a charity organization that you do not see on the complete charity list, please get with your unit's CFC representative in order to up channel the charity's information and begin the eligibility process."

Participation in the Combined Federal Campaign remains voluntary. Representatives are striving to make 100 percent contact in order to provide everyone with the opportunity to give. Please take a moment to learn what the CFC is about from unit keyworkers and how to donate if you choose to participate in supporting a charitable cause.