The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign is in full-swing, and the 2014 theme is 'Commitment to Caring'. Patrons are able to donate through April 11. This year's campaign goal is to raise $40,329, which benefits four charity affiliates: the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Village and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. (U.S. Air Force graphic/Niki Jahns)

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AFAF Charity Ball: donating made simple

Published March 31, 2014
By Christina Lynch and Jodie Edwards
2014 Air Force Charity Ball Committee

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Air Force family celebrates the 11-year tradition of charitable giving in support of the Air Force Aid Society for thousands of Airmen and families during the Air Force Charity Ball and Silent Auction April 5.

The Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force's official charity, offers a lifeline for Airmen and their families.

The AFAS helped Staff Sgt. Arrin Tune, from Minot AFB, N.D., pick up the pieces after her home was severely damaged by the flood of the Souris River in 2011.

"When I got the call about Air Force Aid helping me, I cried ... it was a huge relief lifted off my shoulders," Tune said. "I don't know how to show my appreciation so all I can do is say thank you to all who have helped me rebuild my home. There are not enough words to express how grateful I am."

"It is one of the largest fundraisers for the AFAS, and has generated over 5.4 million dollars since its inception," said Tanya Harencak, the 2014 Air Force Charity Ball chairman.

Monies raised support the Air Force mission by improving the lives of Airmen and their families through a variety of programs.

Programs offered are: emergency aid, educational assistance and community enhancement. Programs have been designed specifically to support the families of deployed Airmen as well Give Parents a Break and Car Care Because We Care.

"Your support will directly make a difference to all Air Force families in need," she said. "We can't do it without help."

For additional information, make a contribution; participate in the silent auction visit www.afas.org

To donate locally, contact your unit representative or Master Sgt. Scott Johnson, 5th Space Launch Squadron, project officer for Patrick-Cape's 2014 campaign.

A donation form can also be found online at http://www.afassistancefund.org/fund/form.cfm. Simply print, sign, fill in information, and give it to your unit POC.

To learn more about the Charity Ball visit www.airforcecharityball.org.