CFC 2012 begins Published Sept. 20, 2012 By Senior Airman Tiffany M. Grigg 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- RAF Lakenheath hosted their Combined Federal Campaign Kick-off event Sept. 19, 2012. The event provided Airmen and other federal employees the opportunity to enjoy pizza and cake while donating money to help others. To help make the CFC Kick-off a success, money was not the only donation needed; people also had to donate their time. "It was good to see the amount of volunteers that came out to support the event, not only Airmen but non-commissioned officers and senior non-commissioned officers," said Airman 1st Class Chasen Milner, 48th Communications Squadron airfield systems journeyman. "It's motivational to see people excited about it at every level." The CFC was established to support and promote philanthropy through a voluntary program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. The donations support more than 2,000 national and international charitable organizations. Last year, RAF Lakenheath collectively donated more than $250,000 to the CFC. This year, the goal is to donate even more. "Last year $14.3 million was raised overseas encompassing 2,500 charitable organizations," said 2nd Lt. Dustin Heideman, 48th Communications Squadron CFC wing representative. This year's goal at RAF Lakenheath is $255,000 and we are already on track." This year, federal employees do not have to donate in person via form, they can choose to donate online. "One of the biggest changes from last year is the ability to contribute online via www.cfcoverseas.org, making giving that much easier," said Heideman. "Simply go onto the website, type in a cause, choose charities of your choice, fill in your unit code (that your CFC representative can provide you with) and follow the online instructions to pledge." Donators also have the opportunity to receive a coin for their contributions. "If you donate $150 or more, you will receive a 2012 CFC coin as a thank you for your generosity", said Heideman. "However, when donating online, print out a receipt for your tax purposes and to collect your coin." The CFC runs from Sept. 17 through Nov. 16. For more information about the Combined Federal Campaign Overseas, contact a unit CFC representative. - 48th Fighter Wing Staff Agencies - Master Sgt. Brian Thomas and Capt. James Nichols - 48th Medical Group - Capt. Melissa Odenweller and Master Sgt. Jose Libunao - 48th Maitenance Group - Master Sgt. Duane Nastav and Master Sgt. Kenneth Gerringer - 48th Operations Group - Capt. Donald Roley - 48th Mission Support Group - Master Sgt. Peter Brestak and Tech Sgt. Jeremy Aumiller Unit representatives will contact personnel within their units to inform them about the CFC and gather donations. For more information, flyers, posters and pamphlets will be available from your unit representatives and around base. To learn more about the CFC or donate, visit www.cfcoverseas.org.