I am sure that you, as a resident and fellow Federal employee, are aware of collective efforts around the world that focus on working together to strengthen our society and individual communities.

As the constant changing global environment continues to create social and economic uncertainties, I am writing on behalf of the hundreds of charities supported by the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) to encourage your participation and ask for your support.

While our communities are faced with uncertainties brought on by increased globalization, the housing & credit slump, mergers and acquisitions, you have the potential to make a positive impact in helping our world and individual neighborhoods be the best they can be.  By re-investing in our communities, you have the opportunity to mold the future of our global society and make it an even better place in which to live, work, raise families and conduct business.

As we all strive to improve the quality of life for those who are less fortunate, if you are a current donor, we encourage you to increase your gift by 3% this year.  If you are new to the CFC, you are encouraged to pledge an annual gift of $120 or just $10 a month.  This is only the cost of 1 hamburger every 2 weeks.  For $10 a month you would provide youth club membership for 10 kids for a year, 4 days of housing, food and treatment for a veteran or the planting of 1,000 trees.

As the 2008 CFC chair, our goal is to increase the visibility of the campaign and return the participation rate to the 2000 level of 39%. 

Thank you for your generous support of this important effort. 

Your Gift Today … Touches Hearts Tomorrow!!

Best Regards,

Captain James P. Sommer
Commander, USCG, ISC
Chair, 2008-2009 CFC