The Fisher Houses are compassionate care homes that provide temporary free housing for wounded, injured and ill military men and women, veterans and their families. There are two Fisher Houses at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and one currently under construction at the Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Last year, the Wright-Patterson AFB Fisher Houses supported 950 families and have assisted over 20,000 families since their founding in 1990.
The Patriot Challenge is a fundraising campaign designed to raise money and bring awareness to the Fisher House mission. All proceeds will go to the local Fisher Houses to cover program expenses.
The goal is to raise $10,000 in funds, and there is no minimum amount that fundraisers commit to raising, according to Chris Stanley, executive director of Fisher-Nightingale Houses, Inc.
Runners may sign up for any Air Force Marathon race distance, then register for the Patriot Challenge on-line at fisherhouse.org.
After registration, fundraisers will receive a customizable Patriot Challenge donation webpage, prepopulated with a Fisher House family story, photos and video.
A $50 fee is required at the time of registration. Patriot Challenge participants will receive a Team Fisher House race jersey, hat and commemorative bib upon registration.
At the Air Force Marathon, fundraisers will receive a Patriot Challenge finisher's medal and a Team Fisher House tote. A Team Fisher House jacket will be awarded to those who raise $600 in funds.
Team Fisher House will also have a tent at the finish line to provide fundraisers with food, beverages and massage therapy after the race.
"Our motto is don’t run because—run for a great cause,” said Stanley. “Our troops are coming back with more severe injuries and require more care as a result. This is a way for the American public to support our military men and women and their families.”
For more information about the Patriot Challenge, contact Chris Stanley at 937-672-8724 or cstanley@woh.rr.com.
USO
USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization that offers services to active-duty military members and their families in 200 locations around the world.
“Our mission statement is the USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation,” said Sherry Ems, USO executive director for central and southern Ohio.