On Tuesday, Nov. 8, a Latin theme will heat up the lunchtime festivities to be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, open to all NIH employees located in the Rock Spring complex, will include continuous shuttle service for employees who work in Democracy, Rockledge I & II, 6700B, 6610 and Fernwood. Get ready to see flamenco dancers, dine on a tasty selection of foods and desserts from local restaurants and sway to saucy Latin music provided by Mariachi Las Americas. CFC mascots Sassy and Salsa, the dancing Dalmatians, will lead the conga line. Be sure to purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win fabulous door prizes. For more details, see http://cfc.nih.gov/cfc/rockspring.asp.

Several charities set up information booths at the kickoff. Margie Zarbon (l) tells a keyworker about Global Impact, a not-for-profit organization that represents more than 50 charities that provide disaster relief, education, health training and economic programs in developing nations.	Ardell Jackson, NIAID assistant coordinator, speaks about his dedication to assisting others, including how he helped a troubled boy.

On Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the final luncheon will be held for those NIH'ers who work along Executive Blvd. Prizes, music, food and fun are planned. For more details, visit http://cfc.nih.gov/cfc/executive.asp.

Kick-Off Event a Success

	Local news reporter Jill Sorensen was master of ceremonies at the 2005 CFC Kickoff.
James Mabry's selection of blues tunes gives the kickoff a lively start.

On Oct. 5, hundreds of CFC keyworkers were treated to a gala kickoff at the NIH firehouse, complete with inspirational speeches and a blues guitarist livening up the festivities. Keyworkers are NIH employees who volunteer their time to make the CFC a success. At the firehouse they had an opportunity to meet representatives of local charities and hear some real NIH everyday heroes tell their stories. Afterwards they gathered at outdoor tables to meet fellow keyworkers over lunch. Local TV news reporter Jill Sorensen served as an inspired master of ceremonies for the event.

In his opening remarks, NIH director Dr. Elias Zerhouni called NIH "the National Institutes of Hope." He noted, "It is very important to continue to do what we do best — give hope."

As leader of the 2005 NIH campaign, NIAID director Dr. Anthony Fauci reminded everyone that NIH is not only about big discoveries but "NIH is a team and a family with generosity and passion of spirit." He encouraged everyone to give to their passion by making a payroll deduction to help those who are less fortunate.

"Everyday hero" Ardell Jackson of NIAID's intramural Administrative Management Branch and Margaret McCluskey of the NIAID Vaccine Research Center presented their stories. Jackson, a volunteer since high school, related how he mentored a young boy who was going down a self-destructive path. The boy has since turned his life around and will graduate from college next spring. Said Jackson, "It's made a difference in his life.and in my life."

Margaret McCluskey of the Vaccine Research Center, who has volunteered in Rwanda, Kosovo, and most recently in Mississippi, shares her insights gained through helping others.

Taking action and making a difference is a life-long theme for "everyday hero" McCluskey, manager of clinical operations at the VRC. She has worked with Rwandan refugees, trauma-scarred Kosovos, kids in Chicago and, most recently, Katrina survivors from Mississippi. McCluskey said, "None of us is immune to need." She encouraged the audience to take action to make a difference because "thoughts don't change fates — actions do."

She reminded those listening, "When you receive the CFC envelope, there are several choices. You can open it, read it and put it into a pile for later. Or you can sign it and reach out. Thoughts that don't turn into decisions stay just thoughts. If each of us makes a personal decision to help we will have found our way...of being heroes every day."

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