Here's a guest blog from Nathan Dorfman, whom you may recall from previous Citizen Hunter blogs.
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the hub of military health, in Washington D.C., serves thousands of ill and wounded veterans annually. Many American military families visit their relatives at Walter Reed on a regular basis. But, at times, visiting can be difficult, especially for families who live far from Washington D.C., or must stay with their loved one, for an extended period of time. This is where Fisher House makes an important difference, as it has since 1990.
The Fisher House Foundation operates thirty-eight houses in North America and Europe. Fisher Houses provide home-like residences for military families visiting their loved ones. Fisher Houses also enable American military families to stay together in dire times of need. Each of the thirty-eight houses are affiliated with either a military hospital or military base. Three of the thirty-eight are affiliated with Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Without the Walter Reed Fisher Houses, military families would have to pay burdensome prices at Washington D.C. hotels.
This year, I am fortunate to have worked with Mr. Tom Brady, Interim CEO of the School District of Philadelphia, and Retired Commander of Fort Belvoir, in implementing and coordinating a district-wide fundraising effort for the three Fisher Houses at Walter Reed. So far, Central High School has successfully participated, donating over $1,100. All of the proceeds raised will be sent to the three Walter Reed Fisher Houses, which can not operate without public donations. By the way, I am excited to present Central’s donation to the Walter Reed Fisher House personally, and tour its Washington D.C. facility, later this month. The fundraising initiative, however, is ongoing, for other Philadelphia public high schools will be involved next fall. Besides, there are never time constraints when it comes to supporting America’s military families.
You do not have to be a School District of Philadelphia student or faculty member to participate in the fundraising effort. In fact, donating to the fund could not be easier. On the newly-developed web-page, http://www.active.com/donate/students, you can directly send tax-deductible contributions to the School District of Philadelphia’s Walter Reed Fisher House campaign. All online contributions are sent directly to the Walter Reed Fisher House. When you support the Philadelphia school district’s Fisher House efforts, you support a winning cause. For not only do military families benefit, but Philadelphia students also benefit, as they develop a keen sense of patriotism, ever important in today’s society.
Specifically, at Central, the fundraising initiative was student-led. As students actively advocated for the Fisher House when educating their peers about the cause, patriotism soared within Central. The initiative should have the same positive impact in other schools.
I greatly value your generous support towards America’s military families and the public school students of Philadelphia. Your efforts are most appreciated, and do, undoubtedly, make a positive and lasting difference.
Comments (2)
"I greatly value your generous support towards America’s military families and the public school students of Philadelphia. Your efforts are most appreciated, and do, undoubtedly, make a positive and lasting difference."
You said it Flavia.
What a great idea. Imparting these important tenets on students and then having the families of the injured service personnel receive the benefits.
This is what makes America great.
We are fortunate.
Thanks
Posted by: on July 12, 2008 06:25
sorry, the above was from "Evolo"
Posted by: evolo on July 12, 2008 06:27