DAHLGREN, Va. – Jena Roscoe was surrounded by Navy personnel and her counterparts from various charities when she posted an update in social media about “the coolest outreach pavilion CFC to date on this breezy and fun Fall November 2019 Day.”
The Operation HOPE senior vice president for government relations and public policy referred to the annual Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Charity Fair sponsored by Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) at the Dahlgren parade field’s pavilion, Nov. 6.
“Operation HOPE was able to connect with U.S. Navy Dahlgren employees via its CFC campaign around our Emergency Financial First Aid Kit and other economic emergency preparedness and recovery resources,” said Roscoe.
Roscoe was joined by representatives from charities that included Ainsley’s Angels, Mental Health America of Fredericksburg, Lucinda Jasper Scholarship Fund, Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Empowerhouse, CISA, Disabled Children's fund, and the Academic Empowerment Foundation who attended the event to inform attendees about their causes.
NSWCDD Commanding Officer Capt. Casey Plew and Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) CFC co-campaign manager Lisa Wallington were among those visiting the event to discover more about the charities, especially their missions and contributions to communities locally, in Virginia, and nationwide.
“CFC coordinators and keyworkers are a critical component to executing a successful campaign, and NSWC Dahlgren’s CFC team is exemplary,” said Wallington. “Their excitement was experienced by every CFC Charity Fair attendee during and after the event. I observed several of NSWC Dahlgren employees engaged in conversation with the participating charities and I’m certain that those conversations are going to impact the surrounding communities in a positive and lasting way.”
For the past 58 years, the CFC has been the federal workplace giving tradition that has raised more than $8.3 billion for more than 20,000 nonprofit charitable organizations. Its mission is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.
“Let’s work together to support those in greatest need by reaching our 2019 CFC goal of $1 million,” said Wallington, regarding the goal which includes only the NAVSEA organizations within the National Capital Area, representing approximately 12,000 government civilians and military personnel. “We need everyone to participate to obtain and exceed this goal.”
Pledges made by federal civilian, postal, and military donors during the campaign season support eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.
“If everyone in Naval Sea Systems Command pledges $3, the $1 million goal can be reached,” said Catherine Evans, NSWCDD CFC primary coordinator. “Everyone has someone or something that they care about. Find the cause, or causes, that you care about and ‘Show Some Love’ by giving any way you can – monetary or volunteering.”
“We never focus on any particular organization, but instead we focus on a cause,” said Evans. “People who are not familiar with the campaign are surprised when they see and hear about the variety of causes that CFC supports.”
The week of Nov. 4 was Military Support Week – a cause that is dear to Evans.
“I was in the Navy for 20 years and remember being away from friends and family. The morale of the troops is of utmost importance,” she said. “Here at NSWCDD our main mission is to support the warfighter. By CFC focusing on military support, it helps everyone to understand and support on all aspects of a military person’s needs.”
It was also an important week for Roscoe who referred to this year’s CFC “Show Some Love” slogan in her Facebook post: “Show some Love today at U.S. Navy, Dahlgren, Virginia, CFC event during CFC’s Military Support and National Military Families Month for the Week of November 4th!”