Family, youth programs benefit from 2008 CFC

Story and photo by Airman 1st Class Alexandria Mosness
Ramstein Public Affairs


The Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas presented Ramstein’s Family Support and Youth Program with a check from the 2008 campaign contributions July 21 at the youth center on Ramstein.

Renee Acosta, president and CEO of Global Impact the Department of Defense campaigns management organization for the CFC-O, presented Brig. Gen. Bill Bender, outgoing 86th Airlift Wing and KMC commander, a check for more than $30,000 during the ceremony.

The mission of the CFC is to support and promote philanthropy through a voluntary program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.

“I’ve noticed all of the volunteerism that takes place at Ramstein, and I am very proud,” General Bender said. “It takes time, talent and dedication to give back to the community; these are key things I see at Ramstein as they contribute to the CFC-Overseas.”

CFC-O is unique in that it gives all overseas personnel an opportunity to support programs right at their own installation.

“Men and women from Ramstein have been very generous year after year giving to those they may never meet,” Ms. Acosta said.

Ms. Acosta has been working with the CFC for more than 10 years, and she sees the good it does each day.

“I have been working with CFC since 1995, and the money and volunteering people do for someone they may never meet is so meaningful,” Ms. Acosta said. “I am honored to be part of it.”

The CFC not only benefits the FSYP, but also those who are in less fortunate situations.

“The CFC is significant because it gives and helps out those in need,” said Constance Baker, CFC-O deputy director. “Being able to give charity to those less fortunate really make a difference for those who necessitate it.”

The contributions made to FSYP directly effect servicemembers and their families who are transitioning to living in overseas communities.

The FSYP funds programs that provide child care, support recreational activities and offer emergency assistance.

While the FSYP does a lot for families and youth, it also helps single Airmen too. There are many holiday programs and dormitory outreach activities for single Airmen because of FSYP.

The annual program allows employees to give through payroll deductions. CFC-O also recently introduced “E-Giving,” where contributors can go online and pay with a debit card, avoiding the hassle of dealing with paper. The next CFC-O campaign is scheduled to kickoff Oct. 5 and will run until Dec. 4. For more information or to donate, visit www.cfcoverseas.org.