message from the chair

Dear Fellow Federal Employees,

I am greatly honored and humbled to serve as this year's Chairman of the 2011Greater New Orleans Area Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). This year's campaign runs from September I, 2011 to December 15, 201 I. As you know, the Combined Federal Campaign can have a tremendous favorable impact in communities throughout the Greater New Orleans Area. However, it is only with your contributions and support that this becomes possible. I invite and encourage everyone to participate in this year's campaign.

This year's theme is "Celebrating 50 Years of Caring." What an opportunity!!—An opportunity of a lifetime for all of us--to be part of the "half-a-century" commemoration of the CFC. To donate during a time when we are all facing one of the most difficult economic periods in the last 50 years of this nation.

To donate when we are also facing challenging times for Federal employees and the United States Postal Service. But it is also a time when we need to take the challenge and meet it head-on with continued and resolute steadfastness in our efforts to help others. "Caring" IS at the very core of the Federal worker; it is the sense of altruism that we exhibit through the very nature of the career paths that we have chosen to follow.

Take the time. Review the CFC literature. You will find organizations that speak to your heart. Whether your philanthropic interests lie in combating a particular disease or medical condition, aiding the homeless or victims of disasters, supporting the military, preserving the environment, helping children, or preventing animal cruelty. There are hundreds of organizations within these and many other themes.

In 2010, contributions totaled $1,452,784; however, we did not meet our campaign goal of $1,500,000. With the realization of the sacrifices that we are all making during these economic times, we have reduced this year's goal to $1,300,000. Surely, if we each pledged at least $50—one dollar for each year of the CFC's existence, we will achieve, and surpass the goal. Together, we can do this!

Join me in celebrating 50 years of the Combined Federal Campaign's existence. I look forward to working with all of you in achieving our common goals of success in aiding our community, and indeed, our nation and the world.

Here's to the next 50 years, CFC!! We're here to see you through!

Cindy N. Gomez
District Director, New Orleans District
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services