2009 CFC Heroes and Their Stories

CIVILIAN                                                                    
Kimberly Howland - OPM - ROC
Kim was the sole leader and planner for all the activities that occurred at ROC. She organized the CFC team; held weekly meetings and discussions; planned a carnival like atmosphere for kickoff; planned and lead the lunch-time hot dog sale; coordinated with the Federal Investigations Services Division on a joint venture for CFC; spent personal time at home making flyers and purchasing items for events; and collected all pledge cards and money from other events, such as the penny jar wars and meatball sub lunch. Kim is a shining example of a true leader and one that is dedicated to the mission. Under her leadership OPM/ROC raised over $17,000.

Cynthia Evans - Housing & Urban Development - Pittsburgh Office
Cynthia rallied the office by sending reminders with examples of why it is so important for the staff to give and give. She challenged staff that had not given in the past years by providing them with background information on how she and her family had benefited from the generosity of so many of the organizations listed in CFC book. Cynthia has a 2-year-old granddaughter that was born with a brain tumor and has been enduring medical treatment. She knows full well what it means to have help from different organizations who have been there for her and her family. Also, every year, Cynthia goes to Africa to participate with her church organization where she takes books, clothes, and school supplies (purchased with her own money) to an impoverished native African village. She spends 10 days with her host family where she teaches the native children to read.

MILITARY
Lieutenant Christopher Preffer– PA Air National Guard – 171st Air Refueling Wing
This is Chris’ first year working with the CFC for the PA Air National Guard. Under Chris’ leadership and with the help of his keyworkers, Chris raised $15,281 with 40 donors. Some obstacles was contacting everyone and letting them know the importance of campaign before and after their own deployment. Outside of the Air Force, Chris volunteers for the CHOICES program, which educates middle school students on how their choices affect their life. Chris also participates in events for “Every Child”. “Every Child” is a non profit organization that works with single parents and children. He is involved in Keystone Young Marines, which is likened to a Boy Scout troop with a Marine flair. Lt Preffer’s influence has reached thousands and he is just getting started.

Staff Sergeant Holly Marie Ball – 316th – ESC
Staff Sergeant Holly M. Ball's innovative campaign efforts as the 316th ESC's CFC Keyworker resulted in contributions of $14,439.10 from 94 donors. Compared to 2008 ($3,254.00 with 12 donors), a 444% increase from last year. She was the primary driving force behind the 316th ESC achieving a Gold Unit Award. Her personal "one on one" approach with potential contributors, and her encouragement of the CFC "Thank You Gift" program, resulted in contributions that earned 6 Gold Eagle Awards, 2 Eagle Awards, 2 Gold Awards, and 7 Silver Awards for individual contributors. Staff Sergeant Holly M. Ball personally volunteered to be the Keyworker for the 316th 2009 CFC campaign, which consisted only of a Campaign Manager and her as the only Keyworker for an organization of 95 assigned personnel.

USPS – Lifetime Award
Terry Stokes- USPS
Terry Stokes has worked for the US Postal Service for 34 years. He has dedicated 25 years as CFC keyworker, most of those years at the GMF and other Pittsburgh sites. Since 2007 he has worked at the NDC – Network Distribution Center in Warrendale. In 2009 he raised over $33,000 for the NDC, and since working at the NDC, he has raised over $112,000 for the CFC. Terry currently resides in South Park and is thinking of retiring from the Postal Service soon.

Gail Carr - USPS
Gail packaged and mailed more than 500 Campaign Kits to kick off the USPS CFC campaign. She helped call the MANY USPS offices, built momentum and assisted in the final wrap up of the incoming USPS donations. Gail has worked with the US Postal Services for 25 years and has been with the USPS Marketing Department since 2003. This is her second year working with the CFC. Gail also volunteers with various food banks and local church groups.

VETERANS AFFAIRS
Amy Friel Capretto - VA Butler Healthcare System
Amy has always been a strong advocate for the disadvantaged and underprivileged and has utilized an extensive array of community resources from not-for-profit agencies to meet any existing client needs. Amy has been a long-time contributor to United Way and CFC through the workplace, both in the private sector and the federal sector. She participated on the FEB 2009 Screening Panel for charities seeking inclusion into the 2009 CFC Campaign. Additionally, she serves on the Education Committee for the Society for Social Work Leadership in Healthcare.

Cherie Clamidori - VA Butler Healthcare System
Cheri has been a strong advocate to help raise money for the Salvation Army, supporting her local community. She has also organized and coached co-ed softball teams for various tournaments, which are fundraisers for the Children’s Miracle Network and local Church organizations. She also donates her time to support Toys for Tots and is currently active in her local YMCA. Cherie was also a keyworker for the 2008 CFC Campaign.

Utilizing an enthusiastic, energetic, personal face-to-face approach, Amy Friel Capretto and Cherie Clamidori, as co-chairs of the 2009 CFC Campaign, were able to attain the facility CFC goal during the campaign kick-off week. At the middle of the campaign, they were already at 120% of the facility goal, secured an additional 15% of the workforce as new donors, and have attained a 30% increase in fundraising monies! They have secured and maintained the #1 spot out of ten VA facilities in their region! Under their leadership, they raised $68,278.16!