Ellsworth 2008 CFC season begins

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joshua Stevens
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 2008 Ellsworth Combined Federal Campaign, "Be a Star in Someone's Life," kicked off Sept. 15 and will run through Oct. 8. All Ellsworth military and civilian employees can contribute to the campaign, which raises funds for various national and local charities.

Over the next few weeks, Ellsworth will attempt to raise $105,000, a goal $15,000 more than last year's. If achieved, the goal will cover more than half of the overall $200,000 goal tasked to the Western South Dakota region. CFC points-of-contact are charged with achieving 100 percent face-to-face contact with all 28th Bomb Wing personnel under their purview to help accomplish the goal.

"Ellsworth, for the past six years, has outperformed its CFC goals by $10,000 to $20,000," said 1st Lt. James McCarty, 28th Bomb Wing CFC project officer. "The 2008 goal better reflects the fundraising strength of our Airmen. Though we may be facing tougher times, our Airmen still recognize the need in our community and have always responded in kind."

Contributors may donate to local-area charities, providing essential funding to community and Ellsworth quality-of-life organizations. This year, three local organizations will be emphasized: the Ellsworth Youth Center, Operation Warmheart and the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

"It is important for us to emphasize local donations in order for Ellsworth personnel to understand the local community is where their donations can be utilized most by our Airmen," Lieutenant McCarty said. "Operation Warmheart, for example, provides assistance for Airman in extraordinary circumstances and receives most of its funding from CFC donations."

"As a direct result of last year's campaign, $25,000 was raised for the Ellsworth Youth Center," said Kimberly Gilman, EYC director. "The money helps provide programs, equipment and an overall fun, positive and safe environment for the children."

Ellsworth base leadership noted the importance of CFC contributions, be they large or small, national or local.

"If our members are able to donate, whether a little or a lot, they make an incredible difference," said Col. Scott Vander Hamm, 28 BW commander. "It will take a team effort to reach our goal of $105,000. Those who contribute to 'be a star in someone's life,' ensure Ellsworth continues to be a star in many lives."

For more information on this year's Ellsworth campaign, contact unit POCs. To find your unit POC, contact Lieutenant McCarty at (605) 385-4913.