Air Force raises $2.3 million for CFC, takes top honors

WASHINGTON D. C. — On behalf of Air Force personnel around the globe, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley accepted five of the top Combined Federal Campaign awards during a ceremony at the Pentagon, May 2.

“This year, Airmen pledged more than $2.3 million,” said Donley. “More than half of our workforce participated, with an average gift of $460.”

The Air Force’s generosity earned it the CFC’s Summit Award, Participation Award, Million Dollar Circle Award, Honor Award and the Department of Defense Outstanding Large Campaign Award.

This campaign marks the 50th anniversary for the CFC.

“It’s an important reminder of how fortunate we are and the importance of sharing our good fortune with neighbors,” Donley said. “Our Air Force set a new goal this year by raising $90,000 more than last year, which equates to about 129 percent of our original goal.”

Louis Torchia, the director of the DOD Voluntary Campaign Management Office, was on hand to present Donley with the DOD Outstanding Large Campaign award.

“During the last eight years, DOD has garnered almost a billion dollars in fundraising support,” said Torchia.  He added that more than $20 million came from Air Force personnel.

“The previous year was a really tough economic time,” said Torchia, “Military pay and benefits have been under a lot of stress and the majority of DOD donations to the campaign had dropped.”

“Yet, the Air Force came up with their greatest year ever,” said Torchia. He said that’s a testimony of Air Force members true character.

Donley had high praise for the members of the Air Force.

“Our Airmen continue to demonstrate compassion, generosity and the desire to make a difference by helping our neighbors,” Donley said. “I am proud of the role each of you has played in making this year’s campaign so successful.”