FORT BELVOIR, Va. - Defense Logistics Agency Headquarters Combined Federal Campaign team members hosted a “Winter Mardi-Fest Closeout” to mark the end of the “Make It Possible” Campaign at the McNamara Headquarters Complex Jan. 14.
Bernadine Bowyer, this year’s CFC manager for DLA Headquarters, said the celebration was meant to show thanks to employees and doubled as one of the final opportunities to give in this year’s campaign, which ends Jan. 15.
“This is our final close-out event to let folks know that we appreciate what they have done for CFC,” Bowyer said. “We still need your help to get over that hurdle.”
The Winter Mardi-Fest Closeout featured food and activities, such as Wii-fit bowling, chess, other games and silent auctions.
The silent auctions featured specialized gift baskets with a variety of different themes in preparation for Valentine’s Day, including relaxation, movie night or various candies.
As of the Mardi-Fest event, DLA Headquarters employees had donated $315,699.40, or 74.3 percent of the $425,000 goal.
Bowyer acknowledged hitting the goal has been difficult due to unforeseen challenges in the government over the past fiscal year.
“We’re at 75 percent of our goal, but that’s OK,” Bowyers said. “We know that there’s been a government shutdown and furloughs, but we know that the children that those that are in need are important.”
The CFC volunteers said they are confident they will meet their objective.
“I’m confident we will get to 100 percent of our goal,” CFC event planner Debra Reeves said. “In fact, I’m intent on getting 110 percent.”
Reeves said her confidence comes from a history of DLA support for CFC events.
“I think the workforce at DLA understands what it is to give,” Reeves said. “They’ve also experienced a need and therefore are willing to support those that are in need.”
Army Col. Kevin Kachinski, executive officer to the DLA director, attended the event and said it was great fun and a welcome distraction from the usual work day.
“I heard all the commotion, and it’s for a great cause,” Kachinski said. “It’s a good theme, and it seems like a great time. What better excuse to come down?”
The CFC also got help from DLA’s Healthy Base Initiative team.
“We had as a team decided that we wanted to support the CFC and provide a healthier option,” Bethany Sweatman, DLA’s HBI manager said. “We came up with a build-your-own trail mix bar and pitched it to the CFC team, and they thought it was a great idea.”
Sweatman added that due to the trail mix bar’s popularity at a previous event, they were asked to bring it back.
Bowyer said she remained confident throughout the event, emphasizing that DLA employees routinely reach their goals.
“Yesterday, the admiral sent out a beautiful note to everyone, thanking them for what they’ve done so far and for what they’ve contributed in the past years,” Bowyer said. “We truly appreciate every dollar.”