Holloman’s 6th annual Big Give competition prepares to kick off

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Leah Ferrante | Holloman’s sixth annual Big Give competition prepares to kick off.  

ALAMOGORDO, NM, UNITED STATES

05.01.2013

Story by Airman 1st Class Leah Ferrante 

49th Wing

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – It’s that time of year again, summer: With that comes picnics, get-togethers, and some fun in the sun. Why not enjoy these great summer traditions by helping out the local community? Team Holloman’s sixth annual Big Give is a great place to start.

Big Give is a friendly competition where people join together to volunteer their time for three weeks to help change the lives of people living in the Otero County communities.

"Big Give is a competition to give back to the community that Holloman actually pioneered back in 2008," said Amanda Gallagher, 49th Force Support Squadron marketing director and Big Give project director. "It was an idea inspired by shows like Extreme Home Makeover and Oprah's Big Give. I knew it was something the force support squadron could facilitate."

Volunteers from Team Holloman join together in teams that do anything from volunteer work, construction, landscaping, and even home improvements. Teams will be judged on effort, enthusiasm, execution and impact made on the recipients.

This year, there will be BIG team and SMALL team categories in which the winning teams will be awarded $7,500 and $2,500, respectively from Desert Sun Motor’s.

To be eligible to receive the cash reward, the recipient must meet the following guidelines:

The team must be associated with Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. (i.e., active duty, dependent, DoD civilian, GAF or retiree) or an authorized guest of a member of Team Holloman. Teams must be comprised of no more than half authorized guests.

Small teams must consist of at least one but no more than four members.

Large teams must consist of at least five but no more than 15 members.

No members may be affiliated with Desert Sun Motors of Alamogordo, N.M., or the 49th Force Support Squadron marketing office.

Teams can register online anytime at www.hollomanfss.com, and the last day for registration will be June 26: registration fees are posted on the website.

The Big Give kickoff will be July 12 at the Desert Sands Enlisted Club. The competition will start July 12, and run till Aug. 5. Judging will be conducted Aug. 8, and the winners will be announced at the after party Aug. 9.

"My favorite part of Big Give is watching this phenomenon happen where people go from being selfish to selfless," said Gallagher. "Where what I do for you is greater than what others are doing for me. It changes your attitude and puts everything into perspective."

• Date Taken: 05.01.2013
• Date Posted: 05.01.2013 16:44
• Story ID: 106156
• Location: ALAMOGORDO, NM, US