#Invest4HOPE with a Tax-Smart, Year-End Gift

Today is New Year's Eve, which makes it the perfect time to #Invest4HOPE with a year-end gift to Hope For The Warriors®!

As a member of our HOPE Family, you know that we’ve earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for the fifth year in a row, putting us in the top 5% of rated nonprofits.

That’s because we keep our administrative costs to just 8.1%, which means most of our funding is invested in our programs for post-9/11 service members, veterans, caregivers, military families, and families of the fallen nationwide.

In other words, when you make a donation to Hope For the Warriors®, you’re not only investing in the future of our military community, you’re also investing in an organization that’s committed to using donor dollars wisely.

You’ve given the gift of HOPE before, and we’re thankful for your support. You know how much our programs mean to military families, so we’re writing to ask for your help again – by the end of December 31.

Your year-end contribution means a lot to us, but it means so much more to the thousands of U.S. military families we’ve helped over the past 10 years, like Sgt. Dan Casara and his family.

A Story of HOPE

On September 23, 2005, U.S. Army Sergeant Dan Casara’s M113 rolled over an anti-tank mine in Iraq.

After suffering multiple fractures, Dan underwent 24 surgeries, spent hours in physical therapy—and graduated from a wheelchair to a walker to crutches to a cane to a brace. He was awarded the Purple Heart and, today, he’s a student at the Golf Academy of America and a motivational speaker.

In 2010, Hope For The Warriors® flew Dan and his wife Basia to New York City so he could speak at the Tunnel to Towers 5K on September 23—their wedding anniversary and Dan’s Alive Day. They return each year to speak on behalf of Hope For The Warriors® at the 9/11 memorial run.

Dan continues to support Hope For The Warriors® because he believes in us. He appreciates that we put the majority of our funding toward programs. He knows we’ll always be there for him—and put service members, veterans, caregivers, and military families first. He hopes that we’ll continue to grow, so we can help everyone touched by military service.

With your support, we can. Please help us help our military community by making a tax-smart, year-end investment in HOPE today. 

IRA Charitable Rollover: A Tax-Smart, Year-End Investment in HOPE

The IRA charitable rollover provision is now permanent and retroactive for 2015 – but you must act quickly to make this tax-smart, year-end investment* in Hope For The Warriors®. You can make an IRA charitable rollover gift to Hope For The Warriors® this year if:

• You’re 70 ½ or older at the time of the distribution.

• The funds are transferred directly from your IRA to Hope For The Warriors® (up to $100,000).

• The distribution is made by December 31, 2015.

• Charitable rollover funds won’t be recognized as gross income for federal tax purposes.

• Charitable rollover funds may satisfy your required minimum distribution, in whole or in part.

• Charitable rollover funds may be applied to pledges or new gifts to Hope For The Warriors®.

• You can enjoy federal tax benefits even if you don’t itemize deductions.

Your benefits may include*:

• Charitable rollover funds won’t be recognized as gross income for federal tax purposes.

• Charitable rollover funds may satisfy your required minimum distribution, in whole or in part.

• Charitable rollover funds may be applied to pledges or new gifts to Hope For The Warriors®.

• You can enjoy federal tax benefits even if you don’t itemize deductions.

It’s easy to give HOPE: Gifts may be made online, by phone at 877-246-7349 or by mail to 5101C Backlick Road, Annandale, VA 22003. Text the word WARRIORS to 20222 to donate. 

Thank you! We wish you peace, joy, love and HOPE during the holidays and into 2016.

*The information contained herein is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal, tax or other professional advice. Consult your tax advisor.

*To take advantage of a charitable contribution tax deduction in 2015, mailed donations must be dated and postmarked by December 31, 2015; credit card and text donations must be processed by 5 pm on December 31, 2015.

Hope For The Warriors® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Federal Tax ID 20-5182295). Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) #27800. Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Financial information and a copy of our license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 

1-888-830-4989 (within NC) or 919-807-2214 (outside of NC). The license is not an endorsement by the State.

Merry Christmas from Hope For The Warriors®!

On behalf of everyone at Hope For The Warriors®, we want to wish you and your family—both at home and serving—a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

We are grateful for your involvement this year as part of our Hope Family. Enjoy this special time together with loved ones as together we continue to give the gift of HOPE to our military families.

SPC Catherine Bane, USA, and her family at the
2015 Got Heart, Give Hope® Celebration. 

On their behalf, thank you! We wish you peace, joy, love, and HOPE this season.

Sincerely,

Robin Kelleher

President/CEO

Restoring Family this Christmas

As we celebrate all the joy that comes with the holidays, we understand that not everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy the peace surrounding the season. But where there's hope, there's a way. This story honors the struggles many of our service members face this time of year. It also recognizes the generosity of military supporters within our own communities who make the magic of the season possible for the whole family.

One Texas service member reached out to Hope For The Warriors after his medical retirement in September 2015. He started working soon after his retirement, but his doctor ordered him to stop and begin treatment for physical TBI and PTSD.

His loss of income left him, his wife, and three children with financial issues. The mounting stress during the holidays caused him to state to Hope For The Warriors that gifts for the children were "the last thing on [his] mind." Feeding his family was top priority.

One Hope For The Warriors staff member in Texas was contacted about reaching out to his local community of supporters. He found a family who jumped at the chance to help this military family. This exceptionally generous and caring family supplied food and everything on the children's' Christmas lists. And they didn't stop there. They invited the service member and his family to join them for Christmas Eve services at their church. Beyond the holidays, this family also offered the service member a job when he is ready to start work again. Talk about a Happy New Year!

This is just one story that proves the spirit of the holiday season can be found in the kindness of supporters who understand its meaning.

To restore hope to military families this time of year, consider giving the gift of HOPE. By choosing to give HOPE, you're not only honoring someone special to you—you're helping thank the men and women who have gifted us freedom year-round.

A Warrior's Wish Brings Terminally Ill Marine & Family to Disney World

   In August 2015, SSgt Joseph Harms, an active duty Marine currently serving with Wounded Warrior Battalion-East at Camp Lejeune was faced with life-altering news. The devoted husband and father of two, ages 6 and 11, learned that his battle with cancer took a turn for the worse and he was given 6 months to 1 year to live.

    Thanks to our friend, LtCol Craig Stephens (Ret.), a Command Advisor at Wounded Warrior Battalion-East, for referring SSgt Harms to Hope For The Warriors® and making us aware of his final wish to make unforgettable memories with his wife and kids at Walt Disney World. Through Hope For The Warriors® A Warriors Wish® collaboration with the Muscle Milk brand and Fisher House, the Harms Family was able to do just that over Thanksgiving.

   SSgt Harms joined the Marine Corps in 2002, where he began his career with security forces, guarding nuclear submarines in Kingsbay, Georgia. Soon after, he was transferred to 2^nd Battalion 8^th Marine Regiment Golf Company aboard Camp Lejeune, where he traveled with his unit to Europe, Africa, Ethiopia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Israel, providing training to local militia and helicopter inserts for ground patrols.

   Returning home to America, he was given orders to Quantico, VA and was chosen to become an instructor for concealed pistol carry, foreign weapons, and small arms weapons. He excelled as a trainer and was recognized for this skill. In 2009, he checked into 3rd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune serving as the Marksmanship Training Non-Commissioned Officer at the Battalion before transferring to Kilo Company as a Squad Leader. As the Squad Leader, his role was to prepare his Marines for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of the Battle For Marjah, a historic battle in our country’s war on terror.  During SSgt Harms’ first full day in Marjah, he was found unconscious after an airstrike caused the building he was in to collapse while carrying out a mission to medevac a civilian.  

   Seven months later, he returned home for 10 months and continued to train for his 2^nd deployment to Afghanistan to again support for the Battle For Marjah. Unfortunately, this rigorous training left him with minimal time with his family. Before he deployed he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and left shortly after to carry out the mission of constructing 13 fresh water wells, 3 free medical initiatives, and 3 new schools with 3/6.

   Shortly after returning from his second deployment to Afghanistan, he was diagnosed with a tumor starting in his appendix and metastasizing to several internal organs and limbs.  Since 2012, he’s undergone countless surgeries, seven types of chemotherapy, maximum amount of radiation exposure, removal of internal organs, infections, and years of pain.

   Hope For The Warriors® and our supporters were honored to make SSgt Harms' Wish come true and are pleased to continue helping the Harms Family make unforgettable memories through the Hope For The Warriors® holiday initiative that provided gifts to Marine Corps families in the Camp Lejeune area.

   We ask you to keep SSgt Harms and his family in your thoughts this holiday season and honor him for his dedicated and loyal service to our country and the Marine Corps.

   This holiday season you can Give A Gift of Hope in honor of SSgt Harms' selfless service and sacrifices. Click here to learn how.

"We're honored to partner with Hope for the Warriors and the Warrior's Wish program to provide resources and support for those who have served our country," said Greg Longstreet, President and CEO of CytoSport, Inc., the parent company to the Muscle Milk brand.

Give HOPE to a New Generation: #Invest4HOPE

At Hope For The Warriors®, we rely on our community of supporters to impact military families nationwide. Our supporters come from every walk of life, inspiring us to challenge ourselves to give back during the holidays and into the New Year.

Through the end of the year, we’re offering a special opportunity to our community of supporters.

When you make a donation to Hope For The Warriors® in a friend’s or loved one’s name, they’ll receive a holiday card acknowledging that a gift—one that restores self, family, and hope to military families—was made in their honor.

By giving the gift of HOPE, you’re not only honoring someone special to you, you’re giving back to military communities nationwide, like the students of the Central Islip Senior High STAR Club.

Give HOPE to a New Generation

For the past two years, the Central Islip Senior High STAR Club has participated in the Long Island Run For The Warriors®. The STAR Club is made up of students who have a sibling currently serving in the military, or students who are first generation Americans. The program connects students with the Army—the soldiers serve as role models for students and assist them in team and confidence building. Many of the students are also training to prepare themselves to enlist once they graduate high school. 

At the 2014 Long Island Run For The Warriors®, the STAR Club had a team of 35 runners. This year, the team more than doubled with over 70 runners.

The students who participate in the run with the STAR Club come from underprivileged neighborhoods and some have no athletic backgrounds. The run provides these students with new opportunities to discover a love for running and view of life outside their communities. Many have never left Long Island before.

For the students who are first generation Americans or new to the country, the Run For The Warriors® introduces them to the idea of patriotism. Their STAR Club advisor, Nicole, a teacher at Central Islip Senior High School, mentioned that, “while at the run these students are honored and proud to wear their Run For The Warriors® t-shirts. Their appreciation for the country and those who protect it is evident.”

After the 2014 Long Island Run For The Warriors®, Central Islip Senior High received enough interest from the students to create a combined boys and girls cross country team. This year, with a growing team attending the Run For The Warriors®, transportation became a concern for the school system, which only budgeted for one bus that fits 45 students. Therefore, two recruiters that work with the STAR Program were able to get the Army to donate vans for the team to use for the day. Each year after the Long Island Run For The Warriors®, some students have joined various Long Island running clubs and started to participate in winter track programs. 

"Their appreciation for the country and those who protect it is evident.” 

Through their participation in the Run For The Warriors®, each student diligently reached out to teachers, administrators, friends, and family to raise over $600 to support combat wounded service members and their families. This is such an inspiring feat because none of these students have an extra $30 to cover even a race registration fee; however, they still choose to give back to their community.

The Central Islip Senior High STAR Club and the Long Island Run For The Warriors® truly display how Run For The Warriors® unites military and civilian community members, connecting and educating each on the importance of embracing their neighbors. Through Run For The Warriors®, many of these young, promising students prove to themselves that they can meet new challenges and expand their horizons.

“This run has inspired so many. It has given students of mine new life. They saw something they could accomplish and experienced something they never knew existed. I could go on for hours and introduce you to kids whose lives have been changed by this event,” said Nicole.

Hope For The Warriors® would like to thank Nicole Keilitz for sharing her team’s story and selflessly investing in the lives of these students.

Giving the Gift of HOPE

Want to follow the lead of these inspiring students by giving back to the military community? You can, by gifting HOPE! To give the gift of HOPE in honor of someone special, visit our Gift of HOPE page.

Donations to support our programs may be made online, by phone at 877-246-7349 or by mail to 5101C Backlick Road, Annandale, VA 22003. Text the word WARRIORS to 20222 to donate. 

Thank you! We wish you peace, joy, love and HOPE during the holidays and throughout the year.

P.S. Did you know you can support Hope For The Warriors® by shopping at smile.amazon.com? You can use your existing account – and there’s no cost to you. Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to Hope For The Warriors® when you select them as your designated charitable organization. Then, start shopping!

Hope For The Warriors® is a Charity Navigator Four-Star Charity for the fifth consecutive year, a rating achieved by only 5% of nonprofits. Charity Navigator is an independent organization that evaluates fiscal responsibility and accountability of nonprofits. 

Hope For The Warriors® (Federal Tax ID 20-5182295) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity as defined in sections 509(A)(1) and 170(B)(1)(A)(VI) of the Internal Revenue Code. Combined Federal Campaign, CFC #27800. 

Team Hope For The Warriors Newsletter: December

Great news! Hope For The Warriors® has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the fifth year in a row, putting us at the top 5% of rated nonprofits! Charity Navigator is an independent organization that evaluates fiscal responsibility and accountability of nonprofits.

Hope For The Warriors® would like to thank Team Hope For The Warriors® Members for their support! This rating is a testament to Hope For The Warriors® meticulous fiscal responsibility and accountability, letting our donors know their support is an exceptional investment in the future of our military families.

For more information on the transparency of Hope For The Warriors® financials, visit www.charitynavigator.org. 

Give HOPE for the Holidays

Here at Hope For The Warriors®, we focus on giving the gift of HOPE throughout the year. But this month, we’re offering something special to our supporters.

When you make a donation to Hope For The Warriors® in a friend’s or loved one’s name, they’ll receive a holiday card acknowledging that a gift—one that restores self, family, and hope to military families—was made in their honor.

Current 2016 Team Hope For The Warriors® Schedule: Stay tuned as more races get added to our 2016 calendar

March 20, 2016— 2016 United Airlines NYC Half

May 1, 2016— Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K

Site coming soon!

May 5-8, 2016— Hope For The Warriors® Conquer The Canyon®

July 24, 2016— 2016 Panasonic NYC Tri

Hope For The Warriors® Conquer The Canyon®: May 5-8, 2016

As popular as the Grand Canyon is, hiking it is rare—less than 1% of visitors ever set foot on any trails. Join Hope For The Warriors® on a multi-day guided adventure in Arizona to Conquer The Canyon®! All funds raised will support Hope For The Warriors® programs which assist combat wounded service members, their families, and families of the fallen.

Hope For The Warriors® will sponsor 20 service members, veterans, and caregivers to participate in the hike. Hope For The Warriors® Clinical Health & Wellness and Sports & Recreation staff members will raise their own funds and attend the hike in a supportive role, working with the sponsored veterans, service members, and caregivers. Other participants are required to meet a fundraising goal of $4,500 and provide their own transportation to and from Arizona. Registration is open here: www.hopeforthewarriors.org/ConquerTheCanyon.

This trip is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for any adventurer!

Fundraising Tip:

Share with your supporters that Hope For The Warriors® has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the fifth year in a row, putting us at the top 5% of rated nonprofits! Charity Navigator is an independent organization that evaluates fiscal responsibility and accountability of nonprofits. This will help reassure your donors that their money is going to an organization that is serious about using donor dollars responsibly.

Training Tip:

This article from Active highlights tips for an effective long run: http://www.active.com/running/articles/7-running-experts-on-effective-long-run-training

Team Member Corner: Lesley Schofield

In 2014, Lesley signed up for the Long Island Run For The Warriors® 10K. She was moved and humbled when she saw all that Hope For The Warriors® does for the community and military families. Lesley also competes in a lot of endurance events, so when she learned more about Team Hope For The Warriors® she immediately signed up to give a purpose and meaning to all of the events she competes in. Lesley has completed the New York City Half Marathon, Marine Corps Half Marathon, and Marine Corps Marathon on the Team. She also has run the West Point Half, New Jersey Half, and Arizona Fiesta Bowl Half all in her Team jersey.  

“When I wear my Hope jersey I feel so inspired. When I am tired, fatigued, or want to give up I just think about our brave soldiers and what they go through and sacrifice—that gives me the push to keep going,” said Lesley. “I love the warm camaraderie with the team and am so honored to be a part of it.”

Hope For The Warriors® would like to thank Lesley for her commitment to the Team and for wearing her jersey with pride!

Program Information:

A Warrior’s Wish®:

This year, Hope For The Warriors® will grant 11 wishes to support service members, veterans, and military families. The nature of these Wishes will vary in scope from business, fitness, financial, and outdoor-related. The enrichment process will continue long after the Wish is granted to promote stability within the lives of these heroes and their families. As the Wishes are granted we will share the stories in the upcoming newsletters. Learn more about A Warriors Wish

For more information please contact Steve Barto at sbarto@hopeforthewarriors.org.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Series:

The Rock ‘n’ Roll race series has teamed up with everydayhero as their official fundraising platform. You can now run in any Rock ‘n’ Roll event and raise funds for Hope For The Warriors! Beginning March 1^st, every race participant will be asked if they want to fundraise on behalf of their favorite cause during the race registration process. When you register and are asked to choose your charity, pick Hope For The Warriors® and you will automatically be given a Rock ‘n’ Roll everydayhero fundraising page!  

Run For The Warriors®:

Stay tuned for the 2016 Run For The Warriors® Race Series schedule, www.runforthewarriors.org.

Representing the Team:

Be sure to shoot us an email with your race schedule and where you will be wearing your Team jersey. Each time you wear your jersey, you help our mission to restore self, family, and hope. Feel free to share photos and special stories too!

sbarto@hopeforthewarriors.org

Important Links For Social Media:

Hope For The Warriors® Facebook

Twitter When you tweet be sure to use #TeamH4W

NYCHalf Marathon Team Facebook Group

NYC Marathon Team Facebook Group

Marine Corps Marathon Team Facebook Group