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Team Tinker celebrates CFC success

  • Published
  • By Nicole Turner
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The Combined Federal Campaign victory party was held Nov. 22 in the Tinker Club Ballroom to celebrate another hard-earned success.

Though no official statistics could be found, officials believe Tinker has reached or exceeded its goal for 20 straight years. This year was no exception as Team Tinker exceeded its $2 million goal, bringing in exactly $2,157,787.63.

The campaign, which ran from Oct. 1 through Nov. 19, gave Department of Defense employees and their families an opportunity to give back and donate to charities of their choice, from a list of 204 local entities and more than 2,000 national organizations.

CFC officials said it was the support and generosity from all of the contributors that once again made the campaign a success.

This year's campaign theme was, "Find Your Courage, Follow Your Heart." To open the celebration event, Tinker Federal Credit Union awarded a corporate gift of $7,500 to the United Way of Central Oklahoma.

Robert Spinks, president of the United Way of Central Oklahoma, accepting the donation on behalf of the organization, said it was an honor and a privilege to assist Tinker with the campaign.

"Year after year, Team Tinker shows us how much they care about their community and about the communities around the country, because you give to lots of places, not just here in Central Oklahoma," Mr. Spinks said. "I also want to thank you for what you do every other day of the year, for the things you do to protect this country and for keeping us all safe."

More than 40 various awards were given out to key workers, support staff and loaned executives and volunteers. Among the awards given, seven people were recognized for their work in the Treasurer's Office for safely and accurately handling $83,000 in live funds, as well as ensuring pledge and report forms were properly filled out.

Also, five loaned executives were recognized for their extensive volunteer work in which they were loaned to the United Way for three months to help administer the campaign.

The loaned executives conducted three and a half days of training for more than 150 key workers combined. They drove more than 3,000 miles, in three months, to seven counties in the Central Oklahoma region. They organized and held more than 100 rallies, speeches and events, all related to the campaign.

"Early Bird" awards were given to several groups that turned in 100 percent of their goal during the first four weeks of the campaign. Eleven of 47 participating groups earned the early bird status and met or exceeded their funding goals.

Ten outstanding workers received plaques, in light of their time and efforts, and the final award of the event was given to Samuel Nowakowski, DOD CFC coordinator, by Maj. Gen. David Gillett, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center commander.

The celebration concluded with a video to highlight all of the team members' hard work and dedication, and General Gillett gave a big thank you to all participants and attendees.

"Congratulations to the entire team. We don't get to this kind of result without a great team effort, and I'm proud of all of you. Thanks for giving, because it's giving back to the community," General Gillett said.