Winners of the breakout challenge
Thanks to the suggestion of an American Legion member, The American Legion 100 Miles for Hope Breakout Challenge became a reality, generating more than $18,000 in a single month for disabled veterans and military families facing financial burdens.
During the July special event, departments were placed into similar-sized categories and encouraged to participate in the challenge as part of the second annual 100 Miles for Hope. The idea came from Department of California Commander Autrey James. He challenged other departments in a video to raise money as part of the breakout challenge.
“I am extremely excited, not because California won but because together we raised nearly $20,000,” James said. “I saw that one person raised nearly $4,000 alone! I’m elated to see how so many came together and help the commander get closer to his goal. It’s very cool to know California had a part in that. Winning was just frosting on the cake.”
American Legion National Commander James “Bill” Oxford set a goal to raise $300,000 in donations generated from this year’s 100 Miles for Hope for the Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF). That would double the amount raised during the first 100 Miles for Hope challenge. This year’s challenge continues through Labor Day, Sept. 6.
“What a wonderful display of commitment by the American Legion Family to join this special challenge during a busy season for all of us,” Oxford said. “It goes to show how important it is for our members to support veterans in countless ways. It’s how we show that we stand by our slogan, ‘Veterans Strengthening America.’”
The winning department in each category will receive bragging rights and a plaque. The winners are:
Category 1: California
Category 2: Minnesota
Category 3: Michigan
Category 4: New Jersey
Category 5: Alabama
Category 6: Idaho
The Department of Pennsylvania raised the second highest donation total for the V&CF during July, falling short of category rival California.
“I want to thank Commander James for this wonderful initiative that he proposed,” Oxford said. “And I am grateful to all the participants who contributed. I was especially impressed by the significant amount that California and Pennsylvania raised, as well as many other departments.”
In Minnesota, Waite Park Post 428 contributed $2,000 helping the department win its category. “The breakout challenge was an excellent program that we wanted to support,” said Thomas Fernlund, department commander and post adjutant. “We knew we wanted to support the Veterans & Children Foundation because it does such a great job in support service officers and disabled veterans.”
All funds raised as part of the breakout challenge go directly to the organization's Veterans & Children's Foundation (V&CF).
Additionally, 100 percent of all registrations, donations and merchandise sales from the 100 miles challenge go to the V&CF. Visit The American Legion’s Emblem Sales website to purchase commemorative 100 Miles for Hope gear before all the items sell out.