Annual fund drive kicks off with Charity Fair

Attendees at the charity fair and kickoff came to learn about the many programs and services provided by the many charities exhibiting at the event and set up along the Nutter Center concourse. There were also goodies and giveaways from the many charity booths, and more importantly, information about their mission.

“Show Some Love” is the Miami Valley Combined Federal Campaign’s 2017 theme. This year’s goals are to secure contributions of at least $1.5 million. In 2016, the local effort was the third-largest CFC e-pledge campaign in the world, as noted by Susy Himelhoch, Miami Valley CFC volunteer executive director.

New and sweeping regulations, initiated in 2012 by the Office of Personnel Management and authorized by Congress, have introduced changes to the pledging system. Cash and checks are no longer being accepted; because of that, fundraisers are no longer being conducted. Instead, e-pledges and credit and debit pledges are being emphasized, and awareness events are being held.

“This is a dynamic year for the Miami Valley Combined Federal Campaign,” said MVCFC Campaign Chair Ray Otto of the 88th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. “The Office of Personnel Management has consolidated 123 campaigns into 37, and we are excited to help in this effort, which will improve things for all of us and improve efficiency.

“We have received the list of approved charities,” Otto continued. “Our awareness events across the Ohio zone campaign are all a ‘go’!”

According to Rebecca Westlake, 88th Air Base Wing vice director and chair of the MVCFC’s Board of Governors, “The kickoff provides an opportunity to raise awareness of some of the charitable organizations people can donate money to during the CFC campaign.”

Donations in any amount are greeted by the charities with gratitude, Himelhoch said, because the needs are so vast and recent disasters and other events mean the charitable organizations need to replenish their supplies.

The wide spectrum of CFC-approved charities also includes the fine and performing arts, environmental causes and veteran and animal welfare, Himelhoch pointed out. Donors may give to any CFC-approved charity, no matter where it or the donor’s duty assignment is located.

To pledge online, go to www.miamivalleycfc.org.