By Linda Wadley
NFELC Public Affairs

	Loaned Executive Chairman (center), CFC Executive Director CEC (center right) and more than 30 LEs take care of the business of CFC, planning the Kick-Offs and other details of the campaign at a meeting on Sep. 30. The 2004/2005 Ventura County CFC runs from Oct. 4 through Nov. 12

The 2004/2005 Ventura County Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), held October 4 – November 12, is every Federal employee’s opportunity to contribute to the charity of their choice. With Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center (NFESC) employees giving more than $47,000 during the just completed two-week Pacesetter drive, the CFC is off to a great start.

Capt. Bill Beary, CFC Chairman and commanding officer of NFESC said, “The Combined Federal Campaign is a coordinated effort to give each military servicemember and Federal employee the opportunity to reach beyond themselves and make a difference in the lives of others. I think one of the greatest things about our country is that we always pull together to help when we know there is a need. We have seen that over and over again. CFC gives us that opportunity and makes sure that our contributions are meeting those needs.”

Beary remarked that many organizations would like to be a recipient of monies donated through CFC, but may not meet the strict campaign criteria. “Through the Combined Federal Campaign, there is a process that ensures accountability for every dollar that is contributed. I know that, through CFC, I can choose from among the many listed organizations and know that my contribution is going toward the efforts that mean the most to me,” he added.

The National CFC started in 1957 when President Eisenhower created the Uniform Federal Fund-raising Program, which represented the International Social Agencies, National Health Agencies, the American Red Cross, and local United Ways. Today, the CFC represents over 1,500 different non-profit organizations, and each year more are added.

The Ventura County CFC has contributed to local and national organizations for more than 30 years. It encompasses the Federal workforce in each of the ten cities of the county. This includes not only the military and civilian workforce located at Construction Battalion Center, Port Hueneme and Naval Air Station, Point Mugu but Federal employees in organizations such as the Post Office, Fish and Wildlife Service, Minerals Management Service, Customs and Social Security Administration.

The success of the CFC depends on the volunteer efforts of members of Local Federal Coordinating Committee, who plan and coordinate the campaign; the Loaned Executives, who provide support to and coordinate the contributions received by Project Officers and Keypersons; the Project Officers and Keypersons, who provide the one-on-one contact that is so vital; and each and every person who contributes to the campaign.

This week many of those volunteers and CFC supporters got together to celebrate the beginning of the campaign with Kick-Off events on October 4 at CBC, Port Hueneme and October 7 at NAS, Point Mugu. From entertainment, a Subway lunch to first-hand information from local charities, the Kick-Offs are a great way to begin the CFC.Last year more than $659,000 was raised through the Ventura County CFC. The 2004/2005 Ventura County CFC goal is set at $700,000, and with each person making the commitment to participate, the campaign will be able to reach its goal.

On his role as chairman Beary commented, “I am really honored to be the CFC Chairman this year and to be working with the great team of volunteers that are making this CFC campaign another great success. I have also had the privilege of meeting some of the individuals who have received assistance through the CFC. That's when it really hits me that this is not just a campaign to raise money for charitable causes; it is a campaign to help other people, real people just like you and me.”

As the CFC progresses, employees can find updates and information in future issues of he Lighthouse and on the NBVC base Intranet.   The site contains command points of contact, the Donor Booklet, incentive information, FAQs and other CFC news and information.