Tyndall CFC efforts need push to meet goal

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Amanda Ferrell
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tyndall members interested in contributing to charitable organizations through the annual Combined Federal Campaign must submit pledge cards by Oct. 24. 

Combined Federal Campaign is an annual program giving Airmen the opportunity to donate to local, state and national charitable organizations. 

Last year, Tyndall proved to be one of the most charitable communities in the Air Force by donating more than $232,000 to CFC organizations, far surpassing the projected goal. 

"This year's goal is to raise more than $200,000," said Senior Master Sgt. Billy Simmons, Tyndall CFC representative. "With $29, 496 raised, we are at 15 percent of our goal." 

Tyndall representatives and key personnel strive to contact every civilian and military member to distribute pledge cards, offer information and answer questions about the mission of the campaign. 

"Our goal is to make contact with every member on Tyndall by Oct. 5," said Capt. Taona Enriquez, Northwest Florida CFC department chairman. "Each squadron and group on Tyndall has an assigned key worker who is responsible for working within their units to distribute and collect pledge cards, and booklets and answer any questions you may have." 

"It's the one chance in the year for Airmen and civilian members on Tyndall to offer support to organizations of their choice through payroll deductions," said Edward Richards, president of the United Way of Northwest Florida. "Payroll deduction is an easy and effective way to give, and regardless of the agency you choose, they all provide needed services." 

All agencies listed as eligible charities in the CFC contributor's guide have undergone a stringent financial and administrative review to ensure they are the most efficient and dedicated organizations working for charitable causes, Mr. Richards said. 

Donations to the CFC benefit local organizations and military agencies on Tyndall, and they provide funds for medical research, college scholarships and grants, environmental groups and a myriad of other causes, he said. 

"If you pick one of the local organizations listed on pages 16 and 17 of the CFC booklet, your donation is used to help those in the local community by offering them a 'hand up,' not a 'hand out.' All of these local organizations work in Panama City and the surrounding area providing needed services, which is the fabric that holds us together."
CFC representatives are hopeful for another outstanding show of generosity from the Tyndall community this year. 

"We're off to a great start raising money and we're ahead of where we were last year at this time," said Captain Enriquez. "The length of time for the campaign is our biggest challenge - Oct. 24 is a short deadline when trying to contact 5,000 people." 

"We are working diligently to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to give," said Sergeant Simmons. "This campaign comes and goes so quickly. It's our job to make sure no one is missed and everyone is given the resources needed to pledge. There are so many worthy organizations to contribute to; there's one to meet nearly every need." 

Tyndall sets ambitious CFC goals every year, and military and civilian personnel assigned here are known throughout the local area for supporting non-profit organizations. But Team Tyndall gives back to the community for reasons other than recognition - it's an opportunity to extend generosity and financial support to causes Airmen are passionate about. 

"This is our opportunity to give back to those less fortunate, and to give people a chance who may have never had one," said Captain Enriquez. "We have a positive influence on the lives of many we touch in our everyday jobs, CFC gives us the opportunity to positively affect those we never have the opportunity to see or meet." 

For more information about the CFC program here, contact your unit's key personnel, first sergeant or Tyndall's CFC representative.