Kadena enters into 2010's CFC

  • Published
  • By 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  This year's Combined Federal Campaign begins Monday and runs through Dec. 3.

Team Kadena's goal for 2010 is $460,000 and can be distributed to any of the more than 2,300 charities CFC supports.

According to Capt. Reagan Beaton, one of this year's CFC co-chairs, while 100 percent of potential donors were contacted about the CFC in 2009, only 32 percent of the base actually contributed.

"We'd like to improve on that this year," the captain said. "Any amount, no matter how small or how large, really add up, even if everyone just gave a couple bucks."

Brigadier Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th Wing commander, supports the idea of everyone participating, especially those who've never given in the past.

"I fully support the Combined Federal Campaign," the general said. "This is a great opportunity for people to contribute to worthy charities and to address critical needs around the world. Even small donations can make a big difference."

There are more than 2,300 individual charities the CFC supports, and everyone can choose to which charities their money goes, Captain Beaton said. Some of these charities are right here in Okinawa, such as the Family Support/Youth Programs, which comes back 100 percent to Kadena.

Last year, the FSYP earned $25,000 from the CFC and used some of that money to procure the equipment necessary for three computer labs for base families and kids, according to Ms. Teresa Vanderwege from the 18th Force Support Squadron.

Captain Beaton added that giving to charity has been made easier than ever with so many options to give.

"The CFC representatives are in your unit," said Senior Master Sgt. Stephanie Baker from the 18th Medical Group and Captain Beaton's committee co-chair. "You can make a one-time payment or regular payroll deduction."

In addition, Sergeant Baker said that there's no minimum gift if people are making a one-time payment and that any currency, Japanese Yen or American dollars, will be accepted. And while any amount to donate is great, there is a minimum donation required of $1 if making a payroll deduction.

This year, the CFC is allowing donations via the web as well as through the paper contribution forms. Visit www.cfcoverseas.org and click on "e-Giving" after Oct.1.

While the CFC kicks off Monday, there will be a "kick-off" 5K run at the Risner Fitness Center Oct. 8. Sign ups will start at 5:30 a.m., with the run beginning at 6:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers, as well as the first 50 people to show up and sign up. Since this is for the CFC, donations are welcome, but not required.