Taking A Pie For A Worthy Cause

  • Published
  • By Capt Tony Vincelli
  • 124FW Public Affairs Office
GOWEN FIELD, Boise, Idaho --  The 124th Fighter Wing of the Idaho Air National Guard's history of generous giving to the Southwest Idaho Combined Federal Campaign is sure to continue this year as early fundraising efforts have proven hugely successful.

This year's giving period, which runs until Dec. 11, began in fine fashion during the wing's annual Family Day picnic held Oct. 18 at Gowen Field as the wing's Company Grade Officers Council organized a one-of-a-kind fundraiser that turned into the highlight of a great day.

In an auction-style fundraiser, guardsmen and family members pledged donations for the chance to heave a pie into the face of a co-worker, supervisor, commander or, in several cases, their family member - all in the name of fun and philanthropy.

The event began with a three-week online bidding period that resulted in a pre-selected top 10 "targets". During the auction, attendees were given a chance to outbid the online bidders for the right to throw a pie at one of the top 10 targets. Then, an opportunity was given for the target to outbid the bidder for the opportunity to turn the tables and throw the pie at their bidder!

As Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Davis, who was the top bidder to throw a pie at her boss, Lt. Col. Kevin Dawkins, found out, a person with deep pockets can be a hard target to hit. She got her boss to cough up more than $500 to a throw a pie back at her rather than take a pie plate full of whipped cream to the face.

The event showed the generosity of wing members, not to mention the skills of professional auctioneer Master Sgt. Rod Elson, who doubles as the wing's recruiting office supervisor, that each pie plate of whipped cream yielded an average of $360.

The donations from that event will be split between three pre-selected charities as part of the CFC: the Idaho Foodbank, the Boise Rescue Mission and the Idaho National Guard Family Support Fund.

The Pie-in-the-Face event was followed up with the 2nd annual Chaplain Art Moore memorial fish fry just a few days later, where more than $500 was raised. Less than a month into the CFC giving period, the 124th Fighter Wing has raised more than $4,500. This year's goal of $12,500 is well within reach with more than a month of giving left to go.

"Giving is part of our military culture. We all are in the business of serving, and our members continue that spirit when it comes to giving to the Combined Federal Campaign," said Col. J.R. Compton, 124th Fighter Wing commander.