AFAF campaign ends in success

by Jon Hanson
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs Office

6/8/2010 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- The 2010 Air Force Assistance Fund wrapped up recently with $7,492,512.94 in total contributions. This exceeded last year's contribution record by more than $20,000.

"This was a phenomenal year," said Bill D'Avanzo, the Air Force voting action officer and fundraising chief. "We have a remarkable Air Force family. We always have, and still do take care of our own."

The AFAF was established to provide for an annual effort to raise funds for charitable affiliates that provide support to the Air Force family, including active-duty Airmen, retirees, reservists, Guard members, dependents and surviving spouses.

Contributions benefit the four official Air Force charitable organizations: Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Village and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

This year's campaign included a first-ever competition between installations within a group with similar past performances in the AFAF campaign.

This year's group 1 winner was Lajes Field, Azores. Base contributors exceeded the installation goal by more than 249 percent with almost 48 percent active-duty participation.

Brooks-City Base, Texas, was also named a winner because it was the only base in group 1 to exceed more than 50 percent active-duty participation. In addition, its members surpassed the installation goal by more than 167 percent.

This year's group 2 winner was Misawa Air Base, Japan. Base officials collected 194 percent of their goal. Randolph AFB, Texas, which finished in second place, was recognized for its 42-percent active-duty participation rate. An honorable mention went to Offutt AFB, Neb.

The group 3 winner was Spangdalem Air Base, Germany, where base contributors raised 150 percent of their goal. Osan AB, South Korea, took second place for its members reaching 144 percent of their goal. Pope AFB, N.C., earned an honorable mention.

The winning base in each group receives a $2,500 cash prize to be used for programs supporting the base community.

For more information on the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign visit www.afassistancefund.org, the AFPC personnel services website or call the 24/7 Total Force Service Center toll-free at 800-525-0102.