CFC kicks off Sept. 14 Published Sept. 7, 2010 By Capt. Lauren Eiffes 82nd Training Group SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sheppard Air Force Base begins its annual Combined Federal Campaign Sept. 14 with a kickoff breakfast at the Sheppard Club. The theme of this year's campaign is "I care, NOW, more than ever...to the world you may be just one person but to one person, you may be the world." It highlights a core tenet of service...each one of us has the ability to help improve our world at home and abroad. For anyone not familiar with the CFC, the annual campaign offers federal employees an opportunity to donate to one or more charities participating in the CFC. Sheppard donated over $300,000 with 2,058 total contributors during last year's campaign. After the kickoff breakfast, CFC key workers from each unit will strive to meet the campaign's goal of 100 percent personal contact with all members of their organization. The monetary goal of $246,500 is slightly lower than last year's goal of $265,000, largely due to the relocation of the 882nd Training Group to Fort Sam Houston, Texas. However, each group's goal was raised by roughly 5 percent. Some have asked why we're raising group goals since, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the United States has been in a recession since December 2007. The short answer is to close the distance between the goals and the actual figures. In 2009, the base goal was $265,000 and Team Sheppard Airmen raised more than $320,000. The goal was increased to reflect Sheppard's history of consistently hitting far above the goal. If each Airman contributes exactly the same amount as last year, we will still exceed our fundraising goal. Most federal employees are on the fortunate side of the economy with stable jobs and income. The need for aid and private funding of charities, research efforts and community organizations has increased; however, the recession and unemployment have decreased the amount of donations. Contributions may reach across the world or as close as our child development center, local churches and sports programs, or other programs that directly affect Sheppard, Wichita Falls or surrounding communities. More information will be released as during the campaign, which is Sept. 14-Oct. 22. Each organization will have key workers who will be in contact with you. If you have any questions about this years' campaign, call your group or squadron representative or any member of the wing team listed below. You can also visit the CFC website at www.opm.gov/cfc where a list of this year's charities can be found. Capt. Lauren Eiffes, 82nd TRG, 676-4453 - Local Federal Campaign Chair Tech. Sgt. Julie Pritchard, 82nd Medical Support Squadron, 676-3981 - Campaign Operations Officer Master Sgt. Gary Guidry, 361st TRS, 676-3090 - CFC Breakfast Coordinator