Last modified Thu., October 08, 2009 - 02:10 PM
Originally created Friday, October 9, 2009

CFC fund drive now underway

By Staff

From left, NAS Jax Naval Hospital Commanding Officer (CO) Capt. Bruce Gillingham, Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Regional Director John Smith, Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Jax CO Capt. Karl Rau, NAS Jax CO Capt. Jack Scorby Jr., Navy Region Southeast Reserve Component Command CO Capt. Rey Consunji and Navy Operational Support Center CO Capt. Robert McKenna cut the cake at the CFC Kickoff at the BOQ Pavilion Sept. 29. Photos by AM3(AW) Nicole Bieneman

The 2009 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) for NAS Jacksonville, tenant commands and departments officially kicked off Sept. 29 at the Bachelor Officers' Quarters Pavilion.

The annual event provides qualifying agencies the opportunity to receive monetary contributions from government employees.

Listed within the CFC program guide are short descriptions of each, including the percentage of donated funds that go to cover administration costs. This enables contributors to discern between charities based on their personal preferences and priorities.

Academic and Housing coordinator Karen Hicks of Clara White Mission, explains how their mission works to reduce homeless in our community to NC1 Alisha Clifton of HS-15 at the Combined Federal Campaign Kickoff.

"This is my third year and it's the best crowd that I have seen," said John Smith, regional director for the Combined Federal Campaign. He also mentioned that NAS Jax is by far the strongest division in the region with the largest number of personnel.

Guest speaker Doneese Kemp, a civilian employee from Cecil Commerce Center, told the audience how nonprofit community organizations helped when her now-deceased husband was battling a blood condition and heart disease.

"We need your help and you can make a difference," said Kemp. "Every dollar you contribute to CFC stays here in our community to help those in need."

"I know the economy is down right now, but I also know that we're the lucky ones," added NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr.

"We are the ones that get to come to work every day because we are the ones that have jobs. We're not the ones being laid off. The economy is hurting but we are fortunate and what we can do to give back to those less fortunate is really important."

Last year, hundreds of local agencies benefited from the drive, enabling them to provide critical services within the surrounding communities of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

NAS Jax Food Service Officer CWO3 Charles Jakes is leading the CFC for the third year. "Our goal this year is $600,000. It is an achievable goal based on the progress that we made last year with the campaign," said Jakes.

Individuals can donate to CFC with a cash contribution up front or by pledging a specific amount to be withheld regularly from their pay beginning in January 2010 and continuing through December.

Many commands also hold special fundraising events to benefit the CFC drive.

Command involvement and leadership are essential ingredients to making this year's campaign successful.

For more information on this year's CFC drive, contact CW03 Charles Jakes at 542-4539, email: charles.jakes@navy.mil or CSC(SW/AW) Rosalind Holmes at 542-4239, email: rosalind.holmes@navy.mil.