By Lance Cpl. Jackeline Perez Rivera , Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.- Members of Camp LeJuene are so excited to be a part of the world’s largest workplace-giving campaign with a 5K Fun Run/Walk.
The Combined Federal Campaign, which helps federal employees, including service members, find and contribute to charitable organizations, scheduled the event for Oct. 3 at Goettge Memorial Field House aboard the base. Registration will be open at 7 a.m. to accommodate last-minute participants with the race beginning at 8:30.
“The (Fun Run/Walk) breaks the monotony of a (CFC) brief in the office, and it gives (patrons) four hours off to support the cause,” said Alicia Hill, the executive director of the CFC for MCB Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station New River and Onslow County.
The fun run marks the beginning of the campaign’s call for contributions from federal employees and service members.
Hill believes a Fun Run/Walk is a good fit for the local community, due in part to its military members who lead very active lifestyles.
The commanding general of Marine Corps Installation East- MCB Camp Lejeune authorized supervisors to allow up to four hours off for those participating in the event with prior coordination.
With a theme of “Helping Outside Our Touch”, this year’s CFC drives home the idea that while participants help their own, they can also help outside of their circle to local, national and international organizations.
“Everybody comes together to support and promote philanthropy,” said Hill.
Last year, Col. Daniel Lecce brought units to the event, elevating the presence of service members, a custom Hill hopes to continue.
For the last 50 years, CFC has vetted thousands of nonprofit organizations for employees to support. They link people to groups who help the arts, education, civil rights, research institutions, children, and animals, as well as organizations who take care of the sick and wounded among many others.
“Through CFC, you can give to a charity near and dear to your heart,” said Hill.
The Fun Run/Walk will provide a T-shirt to participants. CFC donors will receive various prizes based on their donations. Prizes include commemorative coins, pens with a lifetime refill replacement warranty and a beverage cup.
Semper Fit’s mobile unit will be present to lead participants through warm-ups.
The event costs $10 per person and is open to the public. All funds collected will go to the cost of t-shirts as well as the organizations receiving charity through the CFC.
For more information about CFC visit onslowcountycfc.org