Washington, D.C. - U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Linda Springer commended OPM employees on a "job well done in exceeding charitable goals" for the 2005 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Her comments came during a recent CFC awards ceremony, organized to recognize the achievements Agencywide in support of last year's CFC fund raising efforts. Springer specifically addressed the enormous financial assistance devoted to Hurricane Katrina victims in the gulf coast.

This year, OPM raised $263,195, exceeding its goal by more than 13 percent. The agency's level of employee participation was 59.7 percent, one of the highest in the National Capital area, earning OPM the Summit award, the highest recognition for extraordinary agency contributions. The National Capital area, which represents the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, collectively raised over $57 million, which is $1.1 million, or 2.1 percent increase from last year's efforts.

"The success of this year's CFC campaign speaks well of federal employees' generosity. It sets a high bar for next year." said Director Springer.

Springer was joined by Vince Micone, Chairperson of the board that oversees the National Capital Area Combined Federal Campaign. Micone recalled the past year's national tragedy and the role the CFC played in making a difference.

"OPM was one of the first agencies in the region to collect money from federal employees to begin Katrina relief facilitation through CFC fundraising," Micone said. "Your quick response and leadership sends an important message to CFCs across the region and nation."

The CFC was established in 1961 as a way to consolidate many informal charity solicitations into one organized charity drive. The campaign is the only government-authorized solicitation of employees in the federal workplace on behalf of charitable organizations. It continues to be the largest and most successful workplace fundraising model in the world.