18th Wing is on course for CFC goal

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jeff Loftin
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AB, Japan --  Kadena Air Base has raised 60 percent of its monetary goal for the Combined Federal Campaign, officials report as the charity drive enters its last few weeks. 

"I think the wing as a whole is doing pretty darn good," said Capt. Vanessa Bartley, 18th Wing Combined Federal Campaign project officer. "We'll see if that holds up. We have less than $200,000 left and about a month to go." 

Kadena organizations had raised $288,400, as of Monday, for the campaign which provides a single drive to raise money for many charities. This year participants can choose from 2,045 charities providing assistance in a multitude of ways. 

Many units and individuals have made noteworthy contributions to the campaign. Captain Bartley praised the maintenance squadrons for the large amounts of money they have raised to "help charities assist those less fortunate." 

"The amount people give, to me, has been surprising," she said. "Many contributions are over $1,000, and I've even had a couple over $3,000. It's spread out over the year, but that is still a lot of money. That's not limited to colonels, it is Airmen and captains and others giving." 

The contributions had been coming in consistently throughout the campaign, each week within $10,000 of the previous week, according to the CFC project officer. However, the local operational readiness exercise made last week a rough one for the campaign. Only a handful of organizations were able to submit any contributions. 

"We need a really big week next week," said Captain Bartley. "Please donate now. Get your people to donate now." 

The project officer said she is concerned that upcoming events might impact the campaign. 

"Thanksgiving is the second to last week in November and then the [next] LORE in [early] December," she said. "I'm afraid we might not do as well the last few weeks of the campaign because of that. I'm worried the last week in November will be a little rough." 

Many people wait until the last minute to donate, said the project officer. Captain Bartley encouraged contributors to give earlier rather than later before their focus changes to the holidays and upcoming exercise. 

"Take a moment to fill out a CFC pledge form and help change a life," said Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Bishop, Pacific Air Forces command chief master sergeant. "Remember, hope lives when you give." 

"If someone still has not come to talk to you about a donation, please make it a point to find them or just contact me," said Captain Bartley. "Or, you can go on to the CFC website and contribute. You don't even have to talk to your representative. You can do it on-line, if you like." 

The CFC website is http://www.cfcoverseas.org. 

Key workers were trying to make contact with everyone in their units as early as possible. The wing had a goal of making contact with 100 percent of its members by Thursday. As of Monday, the wing was at 70 percent. However, Captain Bartley said the number may be much higher as many units didn't report in during the exercise last week.