Combined Federal Campaign Raises $7 Billion for Charities Nationwide

Beneficiaries of 50-Year-Old Program Available for Interview

Since 1961, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has raised nearly $7 billion to help feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, protect the planet, cure diseases and change countless lives across the nation and around the world. Through the ups and downs of the American economy, more than 1 million Federal employees have continued to selflessly donate money and time to help those in need. In fact, despite the worst economy in decades, the CFC raised more than $281 million last year alone.

This Military Family Month and Veterans Day, the CFC and more than 150 benefitting charities that make a difference in the lives of military families across the country and around the world reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that service members and military families receive the care, support and resources they need and deserve. With the pending return of our Iraq war veterans and the ongoing hardships and uncertainties brought on by the nation’s current economic situation, the need for compassion, dedication and generosity has rarely been as great as it is now.

“Every day, our Armed Forces and their families are forced to make extraordinary sacrifices in service of our country,” said CFC Foundation Chair Kalman Stein. "As the CFC celebrates its golden anniversary, we hope such courage and devotion strengthens our commitment to these selfless individuals and inspires a new generation of Federal donors to usher in a vibrant new era of giving.”

WHO:  Spokespeople from the CFC - Spokespeople from national and local CFC benefitting charities that support service members and military families

WHY:  The CFC has helped change countless lives since its inception, including many service members and their families. The 50^th anniversary is a great opportunity to showcase this impact and celebrate the CFC’s significant accomplishments.

WHEN:  Interviews are available through the end of the CFC giving season, December 15, 2011. Contact Scott Rieder at 202–248¬¬–5476 or srieder@vancomm.com.

The CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 200 CFC campaigns throughout the country and internationally helping raise millions of dollars each year. The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all Federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season (September 1st to December 15th) support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world. For more information about the CFC, visit http://www.opm.gov/cfc, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/FederalCFC and join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CombinedFederalCampaign.