Vance CFC generosity off the charts

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Hill
  • 71st Flying Training Wing
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The final numbers are in. 

Team Vance collectively donated $121,323.21 to Combined Federal Campaign this year, achieving 150 percent of the $80,000 goal. 

That makes this year the most generous in the history of Vance Air Force Base. 

"There isn't enough room on the big thermometer signs at the gates to show how generous Vance was this year," said Col. Chris Nowland, 71st Flying Training Wing commander. "I'm extremely proud of Team Vance. Honestly, it is a reflection of this community; the thinking of others and sharing that make Vance a special place to be assigned. This campaign was a huge success." 

According to Capt. Kris Ostrowski, Vance CFC project officer, the campaign was run a bit differently this year. 

"We had a brainstorming session and came up with what we call the 'fair share' approach," he said. "Let's say you've got 10 enlisted and 10 officers. The officers are in a position to donate more. If each one donates two percent of their base pay, we meet our goal. 

"The campaign remains completely voluntary, as it is intended, but this approach simply provides a picture we can show every potential donator to see how to reach our goal," said Captain Ostrowski. 

The plan also involved going beyond merely making 100 percent contact of all potential donators. 

"We re-defined the 100 percent contact," said Captain Ostrowski. "We wanted 100 percent personal contact. That means taking the time to stop and explain CFC, so everyone would truly understand what it is. We didn't want to just have our CFC reps go up to everyone in their units and say, 'Do you want to donate? No? Ok.' That was key - having our people take the time to really sell the product. That's why we've had this record-breaking year." 

According to Kitt Letcher, United Way CFC representative for central Oklahoma, the key to Vance's success was educating potential donors. 

"Vance did an outstanding job with this year's campaign," she said. "I think this year's success can be attributed to the leadership and enthusiasm of the team of coordinators who put this campaign together. People are more willing to contribute when they understand how their money will benefit organizations, individuals and communities. That is what we saw happen this year."