AFAF Campaign, a great success, Goodfellow exceeds goal

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anne Gathua
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFEELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --   Despite the economy, Airmen dug deep and donated generously to this year's Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, helping raise more than $70,000.

The AFAF is one of two annual official Air Force fundraisers that raise funds to aid four charitable organizations - Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Village, and General and Mrs. LeMay Foundation. The organizations provide financial assistance for emergencies, educational needs, and help secure retirement homes for widows or widowers of Air Force members.

After six campaign weeks and continual team effort from servicemembers, project officers and key workers, the event was deemed a success, exceeding its goal by more than 20 percent.

"Contributions to AFAF lend critical support to our fellow Airmen and their families," said Denise Padilla-Rorie, AFAF Installation Project Officer. "These organizations do not receive federal funding. The funds they use are earned through donations, with a large part of their annual funding coming from the campaign."

Ms. Padilla-Rorie said she was impressed by the support they got from Team Goodfellow.

"Given the challenges of the last couple of years, including increased deployments and the economic downturn, support given by Team Goodfellow shows the commitment of our members to our long tradition of "taking care of our own" despite the challenges we face."

Ms. Padilla-Rorie added that reaching the campaign goal would not have been possible without the diligence and hard work of the unit project officers.

"They ensured 100 percent contact, conducted additional fundraisers, and made the campaign a priority in their already demanding lives," said Ms. Padilla-Rorie. "Thank you to all who helped make the 2011 campaign a success."

Filled with pride for all Airmen, Col. David Rearick, 17th Training Wing Vice Commander said it was humbling to be a member of such an unselfish group.

"Great job by our key workers who volunteer their time to make this a success," the colonel added.