Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Office of Personnel Management Acting Director Dan G. Blair today announced from the White House that federal employees and military personnel pledged nearly $257 million to the 2004 Combined Federal Campaign. The pledge total establishes a new record for the annual charity drive, exceeding last year's total of $248.5 million.

"The federal community has again stepped up to the plate by showing compassion and commitment to their communities," said Blair. "This year's record-setting pledges show that federal and military personnel will dig deep in their own pockets to help those in need."

Today's announcement of the 2004 CFC results was made during a ceremony to recognize individuals and their local campaigns for special achievement. Among the special guests was General Lance W. Lord, Commander, Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. Petersen AFB participates in the CFC of the Pikes Peak Region, which was honored for having the highest percentage dollar increase for campaigns that raised more than $1 million. General Lord, a strong proponent of the CFC during his military career, has been instrumental in the local campaign's successful history.

Other heroes and honored guests who helped launch and promote the record-setting 2004 charity campaign were recognized by Desiree Sayle, Director of USA Freedom Corps.

The 2004 CFC charity drive was conducted in the autumn of 2004 and raised $256.8 million. Employees made pledges through more than 300 local campaigns worldwide. In December 2004, OPM authorized a special workplace solicitation for federal employees who wished to make monetary donations to assist the victims of the South Asian tsunami.

Started in 1961 and administered by OPM, the Combined Federal Campaign is the nation's largest workplace charity drive and the only philanthropic effort permitted by law in the federal workplace. Since its inception, the CFC has raised $5.26 billion.

Highlights of the 2004 CFC charity drive:

• 2004 pledge increase of $7.5 million represents a 3 percent increase over 2003

• Average pledge in 2004 totaled $247, compared to $224 in 2003.

• Top three contributing campaigns in 2004:

1. CFC of the National Capital Area ($55.8 million)

2. Overseas CFC ($14.9 million)

3. San Diego CFC ($6.1 million)

• Top three campaigns registering the largest percentage increase in pledges in 2004 over 2003:

1. East Alabama CFC (54.6 percent to $241,706)

2. Fort Sill-Lawton CFC (50.4 percent to $318,792)

3. Volusia-Flagler-Putnam Counties CFC (47.2 percent to $79,508)

• Top three campaigns registering the largest percentage increase in donor participation in 2004 over 2003:

1. South Central Michigan CFC (69 percent)

2. Ozark Area CFC (44 percent)

3. Greater Wilkes-Barre Area CFC (23 percent)

2004 National CFC Award Winners, Highest Percentage Dollar Increase

• Campaigns Over $1 Million

1. CFC of the Pikes Peak Region

2. Metropolitan Dallas Area CFC

3. Okaloosa-Walton Counties CFC

• Campaigns From $250,000 - $1 Million

1. Fort Sill-Lawton Area CFC

2. Piedmont Triad CFC

3. CFC of North Puget Sound

2004 National CFC Award Winners, Highest Percentage Dollar Increase (cont'd)

• Campaigns Under $250,000

1. Volusia-Flagler-Putnam Counties CFC

2. East Alabama CFC

3. North County CFC

Innovator Awards

1. CFC of the National Capital Area

2. CFC of the Pikes Peak Region

3. Metropolitan Denver Area CFC

4. Puerto Rico CFC

CFC Heroes

1. TSgt Sherrie Horn (CFC of the Pikes Peak Region)

2. Capt. Chad McGillivray (Overseas CFC)

3. STGC Robert S. Tappen Jr. (San Diego County CFC)

4. Scarlet Middleton (Northeast Florida/Southeast Georgia CFC)

5. Valerie Vasquez-Elms (Greater Minnesota CFC)

6. Steve Waldorf (Southeastern Michigan CFC)

7. Kirk Maxey (Metropolitan Atlanta CFC)

8. Thomas McDaniel (Smoky Mountain Region CFC)

9. Kimberly Sheppard (Central Oklahoma CFC)

10. Patricia Taylor (Coastal Georgia CFC)

CFC Leadership Award

1. Lovenia Murray, U.S. Department of Treasury