The Midlands Area CFC officially kicked off on September 16th at the Officers' Club at Fort Jackson.

Approximately 130 people were entertained by the 282nd Army band and heard words of encourgement from the 2009 Campaign Co-Chairs.

Curtis Wilson, of WTLX News 19, served as the emcee of the event. His humor and appreciation of the work the charities do for our community shined through in his remarks.

Thirty local charities participated in the charity fair during the reception prior to the formal program. The featured agency was Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services. During the program, Executive Director Jennifer Rogers and Charlie, a service dog, demonstrated how dogs can be trained to assist people with disabilities.

Commanding General Bradley May encouraged the audience to find a charity that was near to their heart and to support it through the Combined Federal Campaign.

Columbia Postmaster, Jim Antill, indicated that the 2009 campaign goal will be a challenge but that it was attainable.

For more information on how to get involved or donate to this year's campaign, contact your Federal agency's key worker, unit or group representative or Tammy Huddle, the CFC Director at thuddle@uway.org