Nalepka: This year's campaign began Sept. 9 and will run through Jan. 12, with the official Dayton Area District kickoff event having occurred at Wright State University's Nutter Center Oct. 2. This year's theme is "Show Some Love." This is an appropriate theme for a campaign whose purpose is to show love to people in need and to organizations that make a difference in our community.
How can people participate?
Nalepka: People can go to the Office of Personnel Management website, cfcgiving.opm.gov, to make their donations. It is an easy-to-use website that will walk people through the donation process.
You have the expertise and organizational prowess of several “loaned executives.” Who are they and what do they bring to the table?
Nalepka: Jeff Leonard, a systems safety engineer, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory; and Victoria Russell, a contract specialist in the Mobility Directorate, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, are our loaned executives. They are what I will call the behind-the-scenes "muscle" for the Dayton Area District. They are taking a pause from their regular jobs for about 14 weeks to serve as spokespersons for our local campaign. Some of their many duties include assisting with keyworker training workshops, answering donor and charity organization questions about the campaign, collecting and reporting campaign data, and assisting with community awareness events. The success of the Dayton Area District campaign is due in large part to their efforts.
There have been a number of tragedies and challenges this year, locally and nationally. What kinds of needs for CFC donations are being seen? Is the need increasing?
Nalepka: There is always a need for donations that support charitable causes. The tragedies and challenges that occur in our nation put a spotlight on those needs and how important it is for people to consider donations to organizations that help reduce the impacts and provide much-needed assistance to people affected by negative events. However, it is not just about the tragedies. For example, Honor Flight Dayton takes veterans of World War II, Korean era and Vietnam era wars to see their national memorials in Washington, D.C. This is an amazing organization that does something very special for those who have worn the uniform to support and defend our nation.
Why should people consider donating if they feel like they have less money and have their own concerns?
Fisher: As someone who does support our local charities outside of CFC, I know there is a way to give of both time and talents. When one gives of their time, it's easy to find a way to give dollars.
Nalepka: As a community, it is important we look out for and help one another. A simple act of giving, whether it be of our time and/or our money, has a way of making someone feel good about themselves and for a moment, forget about the concerns in their own lives. As an Air Force organization, we speak about being a good Wingman. This concept applies both inside and outside of the Wright-Patterson AFB fence. Donating our time, talents and treasure is a way of exemplifying the wingman concept outside the fence.
You have been involved with the CFC as a volunteer for several years. Why do you continue to do what you do?
Fisher: From my early times in the government as a key worker to my current role, I believe in giving back. It was an easy "yes" when asked to help out as next year's chair. I plan to always be in a leadership role until I retire.
Nalepka: My life has been very blessed, and I want to share those with blessings with people and organizations that need assistance. I enjoy making a difference and as a volunteer, I have seen firsthand how a little bit of help can have a huge impact and lasting effect on the people of our community.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about the CFC?
Fisher: Wright-Patterson AFB is an economic engine in the Dayton area. As employees we are blessed with good jobs. It's our social responsibility to help our brothers and sisters in our community.
Nalepka: The CFC is an annual donation opportunity that raises awareness about both the needs of the community and those charitable organizations that fill those needs. I just ask that people pause for a moment and reflect upon the good that CFC does and consider supporting one of these organizations. No donation is too small, and these organizations know how to use even the smallest of donations to make the largest of impacts.
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