Washington, D.C. - Today, the United States Office of Personnel Management announced a record-setting level of charitable giving by Federal employees through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). At a White House awards ceremony this past week, OPM Director John Berry presented 25 awards to members of the Federal workforce whose work contributed to raising nearly $282.6 million in pledges to non-profit programs in 2009.

"Just as Federal employees work for the American public in communities throughout our country, they also give back to these same communities through programs like the Combined Federal Campaign," said OPM Director John Berry. "I am proud to recognize the volunteer efforts of Federal employees, whose donations through the CFC program represent the largest workplace charity program in the world."

Federal workers are demonstrating innovative ways to increase charitable donations, and the Office of Personnel Management is thrilled to recognize their work as it models how all Americans can contribute to our neighborhoods and our nation."

At the White House ceremony, Director Berry recognized nine regional CFC campaigns for recording the largest increase in CFC pledges in 2009 over pledges in 2008. Additionally, five campaigns were singled out for taking innovative steps to encourage employee contributions, while 10 Federal employees were awarded special recognition for their leadership on behalf of the program.

In a letter from President Obama to award recipients, he said "During difficult economic times, the struggles of families and individuals are often reflected in fewer and smaller contributions to charitable organizations. Yet, today, many Americans still selflessly offer all they are able to give and your donations through the Combined Federal Campaign demonstrate the true heart and spirit of Federal workers."

The Combined Federal Campaign is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 300 CFC campaigns throughout the country and internationally to help to raise millions of dollars each year. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season (September 1st to December 15th) support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world. Since its inception in 1961, the campaign has raised more than $6 billion in charitable donations.

Campaigns recognized on Friday included the Greater Olympic Peninsula CFC (WA), Heartland CFC (MO), Miami Valley CFC (OH), CFC of National Capital Area (DC), CFC Overseas, San Diego County CFC (CA), Heart of Alabama CFC (AL), Potomac CFC (VA), Greater Southwest Texas CFC (TX), CFC of Island County (WA), Fort Polk - Central Louisiana CFC (LA), CFC of the Northern Shenandoah Valley (VA), Yakima-Kittitas CFC (WA), and the North Country CFC (NY).

Individuals recognized at the White House ceremony included David Braadland (CFC of the Pikes Peak Region), Loren Heaton (San Diego & Imperial Counties CFC), Robert Jennings (Greater Olympic Peninsula CFC), Michael Miller (EscaRosa CFC), Ellwyn Parks (Greater Indiana CFC), Paul Pinaula (CFC Norcal), Carolyn Renge (Central California CFC), Robin Stripling (Central California CFC), Louis Torchia (CFC of the National Capital Area and CFC Overseas), and Jennifer Yahnian (Central California CFC).

For a high-resolution image of CFC winners, visit:

http://www.opm.gov/MediaCenter/photos/CFC-Awards/CFC-Award-Ceremony-1.aspx

For more information, visit: www.opm.gov/cfc.