"A Home Away from Home"

How would you feel if you could write a $50,000 check to Fisher House? Maybe $75,000 or $100,000?? Individually, it would probably not be realistic. But there is a way you can help to write that check. American Gold Star Mothers, with the technical support of Team Fisher House, is kicking off a national campaign. Creativity and energy in chapters across America can help us reach our goal of $50,000. To make this happen, we need your participation and raising funds will be easier than you may think.

Before we describe how to get started, let’s talk about how this campaign fits perfectly with our mission statement, which is to honor our children by serving Veterans and military families. For those who may not be familiar with Fisher House, it is a “home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military or VA medical centers. There are 43 Fisher Houses located on 18 military installations and 13 VA medical centers. Twelve more houses are under construction or are in design phases. Typically located within walking distance of the treatment facility, these houses serve as a temporary residence at no cost to the families. Since the program’s inception in 1990, more than 2 ½ million days of lodging to more than 120,000 families has been provided. That equates to over $12 million in lodging, food and transportation costs saved by the families in their time of need. The houses vary in size and guest capacity but all are beautifully decorated with well-stocked community kitchens, spacious dining areas, and living rooms complete with libraries and toys for children. Additionally, there are laundry facilities, housekeeping services, and in-room or common-area computers with Internet access. Caring staff and volunteers are available to assist guests.

With the increased number of wounded warriors, requirements for a Fisher House are changing. The stays are longer and due to the nature of the injuries, all of the new Fisher Houses will be completely handicapped accessible.

Our Fisher House committee members (see list at left) are also available to assist you with any questions.

Focus on Fisher House - Dover AFB

Fisher House Foundation, Inc. has announced plans for a special Fisher House at Dover AFB, Delaware. The significance of this house and the link to Gold Star Families is extraordinary. Families who elect to go to Dover AFB and observe the Dignified Transfer of Remains Ceremony of our Fallen Heroes will have a “home away from home” for their stay when the house is completed. Escort officers will also be able to utilize the facility.
Construction has begun on the house with plans to dedicate it before year-end. Derek Donovan, VP for Operations of Fisher House wrote “It would be an honor to have the Gold Star Mothers participate in the dedication of this Fisher House, and we will keep you updated on its progress.”

Proposed Fisher House, Dover AFB, DE

Proposed Fisher House Pavilion and Garden, Dover AFB, DE

Through our fundraising efforts, we will now touch military families and Gold Star Families. Every dollar counts; if you donate personally to Fisher House, please credit our campaign. The Greater Harrisburg, PA Chapter started their efforts with a $1,000 donation and they have pledged more. Rolling Thunder TN VI donated $1,000. Every donation will not be large, but it is important! It is exciting to see the campaign begin so well, but we need to gain momentum and keep it going.

Let us know what your department/chapter is doing to raise funds for Fisher House so that we can share ideas with everyone.

Update May 1, 2010

A groundbreaking ceremony for a new Fisher House was held at Dover Air Force Base DE on May 1, 2010. This Fisher House will be adjacent to the Center for Families of the Fallen and is the first Fisher House to support the families of fallen service members. The Center is scheduled to open in the fall. The complete story with more pictures and some video is available at the U.S. Air Force web site.

Ruth Stonesifer, President American Gold Star Mothers shares a laugh at this otherwise solemn occasion with Michael B. Donley, secretary of the Air Force to her left and Kenneth Fisher, Fisher House Foundation chairman in the center.

Ruth Stonesifer and Molly Morrell, First Vice President of American Gold Star Mothers (right) and the inspiration for AGSM's fund raising campaign for this Fisher House, speak with Michael B. Donley.

Kenneth Fisher, Fisher House Foundation chairman, makes remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fisher House and meditation pavilion for the Center for the Families of the Fallen, May 1, at Dover Air Force Base, DE. Michael B. Donley and Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff seated.
 

President Obama gives $250,000 to Fisher House.

Ten charities will split the $1.4 million awarded to President Obama as part of the Nobel Peace Prize, the White House announced March 11, 2010.

"These organizations do extraordinary work in the United States and abroad, helping students, veterans and countless others in need," Obama said in a statement. "I'm proud to support their work."

Fisher House received $250,000 - the most out of all the charities on the list. Read the full story at: www.fisherhouse.org.