Gunfighters help set donation record for Southwest Idaho

Published Feb. 26, 2009
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Nonprofit organizations in Idaho will receive nearly $520,000, thanks to the 2008-2009 Combined Federal Campaign, an annual fundraising campaign that lets federal employees choose where their donations go.

This is an increase of $13,000, or 2.5 percent from the 2007-2008 campaign, and a new record for giving. The funds were donated by employees of federal government agencies in 19 counties in an area that stretches from Vale, Oregon to Twin Falls, Idaho.

Military and civilian employees at Mountain Home Air Force Base contributed more than $117,000, or 22.5 percent of the total.

"I know charities can make real progress in their missions with the help of these funds, especially in light of the current, serious economic conditions," said Col. John Bird II, 366th Fighter Wing commander. "I'm finding out every day that generosity and caring runs deep in the Gunfighter community and when given the opportunity, our members will contribute to worthy causes."

In 2008, 88 non-profit organizations based in southwestern Idaho applied for, and were included in, the Southwestern Idaho CFC, along with national and international non-profit organizations.