Marine Corps Base Quantico -- The base community aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico began the annual Combined Federal Campaign Sept. 1 and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars by the conclusion of the campaign on Dec. 31. The final balance will be reported at cfcnexus.org in mid-February. However, the 2015 CFC report currently shows that the Potomac CFC Campaign raised $710,814, which is 84 percent of their goal.
Since 1961, civilian employees and military personnel have donated to the CFC to consolidate fundraising in the Federal workplace on behalf of charitable associations. Quantico falls under the Potomac CFC, which is one of many united regions throughout the U.S. The region includes organizations and activities residing in central and northern Virginia.
The campaign is one of only two official sanctioned charities that Marines and civilians may participate in while in an official capacity. Participants contributed to many nonprofit organizations in different categories by way of cash, check or payroll allotment.
Organizations like the Russell Knox Building raised more than $100,000, and civilians and Marines aboard the base found cost-efficient and creative ways to give employees an opportunity to donate in the workplace throughout the holiday season.
For instance, during the 120 days of giving, the Marine Corps Installation National Capital Regional - Quantico staff held cooking competitions to raise additional funds for the CFC. Personnel at Lejeune Hall participated in multiple cooking competitions, which added to the individual contributions on base. Kenny Wright, Lejeune Hall building manager and safety representative, helped to organize multiple cook-off challenges, but also personally donated to the American Red Cross.
“We, as Americans, are known for our generosity and goodwill for mankind. I see the [American Red Cross] as the world’s first responders to disasters. I’m very proud of what they do and the people that volunteer to help those in need regardless of the clime and place,” said Wright.
Headquarters civilians and Marines held several events in support of CFC. A taco breakfast was held Dec. 3. The menu included tacos, burritos, wraps, potatoes, bacon, sausage, eggs and muffins.
A chili cook-off held Dec. 9 included white chicken chili, beef chili and two deer chilies. First prize was awarded to Jamie A. Deets, manpower management specialist, for a three-meat chili made of pork, chicken and beef. Deets attributed his successful award-winning chili to his wife.
Michael Whitecotton, MCINCR-MCBQ financial management analyst supervisor, and Col. Joseph Murray, base commander, both made chili from locally harvested venison. Whitecotton's chili included venison that was harvested in November in Culpeper County at the beginning of deer season.
The groups’ donation went to an undesignated category, which was divided among all the charity organizations. A total of $311 was collected from the chili cook-off, whereas the taco breakfast raised $172.
The base reported that they reached $388,425 by Jan. 1, which is 78 percent of their goal. The 2015 campaign is now complete, nevertheless the final count will be determined when all donations are collected by mid-February.
“These donations are just an extension of the goodwill that servicemen and women do. It’s in our DNA to help those that can’t help themselves,” Wright continued. “I like to think of it as a different spectrum of world policing and it begins on our Homefront.”
— Writer: iirby@quanticosentryonline.com