CFC execs

From left: Combined Federal Campaign loaned executives Capt. Sam Sebaihi, Tim Eldridge and Melda Smith, along with Department of Defense central Oklahoma region CFC director Mindy Banz, prepare for the annual DOD campaign that runs Oct. 7-Nov. 13. The four Tinker employees volunteer for their roles as liaisons between the United Way and federal defense organizations with approximately 23,000 people, said Ms. Banz. “They’re the glue that holds everything together,” she said. (Air Force photo by Margo Wright)

Tinker’s CFC executives ready to exceed goal

Published Sept. 11, 2009
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 2009 Combined Federal Campaign kicks off Oct. 7. This year, officials said the Central Oklahoma Department of Defense CFC organization aims to raise $1.7 million by the Nov. 13 end-date.

Through this year's theme, "All Aboard: Moving Forward Together," CFC officials will encourage patrons to donate to the only DOD-sanctioned fund raising campaign.

"It's a robust goal, but we're excited," said Mindy Banz, 2009 Central Oklahoma DOD CFC director. "Central Oklahoma DOD employees, including the great people of Tinker, have always stepped up and we are looking forward to them stepping up again this year."

CFC is open to Tinker military, civilians and central Oklahoma military-affiliated organizations. CFC supports several agencies at the local, state, national and international level. Contributions are dispersed based on a donor's discretion.

CFC-trained volunteers, known as "key workers," are also expected to visit CFC-supported agencies and relay their findings back to the Tinker workforce. Agencies include the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Ronald McDonald House, Oklahoma Children's Cancer Association and Genesis Project.

"Everybody has a story to tell and everybody in some way, shape or form has benefited from agencies that you find within CFC," Ms. Banz said.

CFC "loaned executives" will further promote the campaign by volunteering for 13 weeks as a liaison between the organizations within the DOD central-Oklahoma region and the United Way. In 2008, the Central Oklahoma DOD CFC organization raised nearly $2 million. The goal was exceeded by approximately $330,000.