IMOO 2011 and US veteran contributions

murphy.m.j

In doing IMOO 2011, it is important to me to try and give to a US veteran family or organization that have done so much for this country.

I have tried to seak out a family that could use the donations but do not have simple things like, a web page for people to contribute or the many things needed to get up a web page that can do credit card donations.  

I would also not want the organization to be a business as so many charity are a business 1st then a charity 2nd.

I know about Janus and what has happened there but even with 2 months left, I know I can raise $4000 for a veteran organization / family that can really use the money as a 501(c) organization but I need some info on how to go forward.

The ideal web site / organization would have a web page describing IMOO 2011, very little about this athlete, then a link for a donation for the organizatio.  I am also using MyAthleteTracker GPS system so people can chear me on to the finish line.

I cant say enough on how important this endevor is to me, much more then IMOO 2011 actually.

Lastly, I will thank all ahead of time for any assistance that you provide it is greatly appreciated.

jetskr

My cousin is in the Army and I just sent him an email asking about something like this. I'm sure there is and I'm sure there are more than a few families who could really use the help.

Will let you know.

Jeff

Paul Hough

Fisher House - one of the best charities out there.

jetskr

His response was Wounded Warriors or USO. I think the bottom line is that you aren't going to go wrong with one of these listed in this thread.

Paul Hough

There are a gazillion charities helping vets...some good, some frauds in disguise. You need to pick the kind of people you want to help because the focus is so different. E.g.,

Fisher House - they build houses near major vet hospitals for families of severely injured vets. So if a guy gets his leg blown off in Afghanistan, and the guys mother wants to be there to help him through months of rehab but can't afford endless weeks of hotel bills, Fisher House puts them up. A fantastic charity that helps those guys heal by allowing family members to live right next door.

Challenged Athlete Foundation (CAF) Operation Rebound - CAF helps people with physical disabilities participate in sports. Operation Rebound is a special section of CAF that helps wounded vets get back into sports. I've raised money for CAF twice at the Florida 70.3. They will get these guys bikes that have been tweaked to handle their unique disability. If their foot was blown off they need a prosthetic for biking and a different one for running. If they lost an arm they need a bike rigged to hold that arm and with all the shifting and braking able to be controlled by the other arm. Etc, etc.

Special Operations Warrior Foundation - this charity raises scholarships for the children of FALLEN (i.e., killed in action) special forces solders, sailors, airman, and marines. Think Army Rangers, Navy Seals, Air Force PJs or Special Tactics personnel, and MARSOC SOF Marines.

USO - this is a very general charity...i.e., it supports all military, though principally those overseas (e.g., USO shows for personnel at remote locations). But they also have USO lounges in major airports all over the U.S.

Main point is that there are so many you need to select the type of vet you want to help, then pick the right charity that targets that niche demographic.

murphy.m.j

you are all wonderful thanks so much

Mark Roberts

No, thank you for working to raise money for those who serve.  I'm active duty Air Force, we have a Fisher House on base here at Keesler and they do great things for familes of injured military members.

Another organization to consider is Homes for Our troops. -- This is a totally non profit group that builds and modifies homes for veterans who have significant injures and need Wider doors, wheelchair ramps, modified bathrooms etc. I raised money for them in 2008 back when Janus was still operational.

Really you can't go wrong with any of these groups people have suggested.

Good luck!

John Withrow

Michael- I started a team called Team ReserveAid this past year. We have 17 people racing IMLou this year and 22 more signed up to IMNYC in 2012. Our slogan is "Tri for our Troops". All money raised goes to support Reserve Aid which is a charity that I sit on the Board of and was an original founding member of 6 yrs ago. We give grants to Service men and women from all branches of the military who are suffering financial hardships due to their service. Our primary focus is on Reservists and National Gaurd who have been called to active duty. You can learn more about our team and our cause here: www.reserveaid.org/teamra
We would love to have you join us. We could add an IMOO sheet to our website showcasing your efforts.
-John

Coach Patrick

Great stuff here...MM I would suggest using something like Firstgiving, which makes it really easy to set up a page and forward your donations to a specific charity....