Morgan Stanley boosts 100 Miles for Hope
Morgan Stanley employee Molly Bodrato participates in the 100 Miles for Hope challenge as part of her employer's program supporting veterans. (Photo provided by 

Morgan Stanley boosts 100 Miles for Hope

It was a no-brainer for Molly Bodrato, who serves in the Air National Guard, to participate in The American Legion 100 Miles for Hope challenge as part of a special program with her employer, Morgan Stanley.

“What The American Legion has done for veterans, military families and children for more than 100 years is nothing short of incredible,” says Bodrato, a member of Post 177 in Barboursville, W.Va. “My family has personally been touched by the generosity of the Legion and its donors during a time when we were less well-off. Now that I’m capable of giving back, I want to take every opportunity to do my part. Joining 100 Miles for Hope is a fun way of getting involved, raising money, and connecting with my colleagues for a great cause.”

Bodrato works for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management as a strategic project manager and is an active member of the Morgan Stanley Veterans Employee Network steering committee. In honor of the firm’s core value of Giving Back, the Veterans Employee Network regularly engages in philanthropic efforts to support the veteran community at large. 

Dozens of Morgan Stanley employees are participating in the second annual campaign.

“We’re honored to have Morgan Stanley support our 100 Miles for Hope,” American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford said. “I’ve been impressed by the participation among our American Legion Family members, as well as our friends like Morgan Stanley. We hope to see them return for the third annual event next year.”

The 100 miles challenge encourages participants to get active, improve their fitness and wellbeing, as well as direct funds to The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF). A full 100 percent of registration fees, merchandise sales and donations related to 100 Mile for Hope go to the V&CF, which provides much-needed resources for disabled veterans and military families facing financial distress.

“Setting a hard cut-off to step away from the computer and get moving is integral for my mental health,” Bodrato says. “Sometimes one just needs a little fresh air and physical activity to reinvigorate and refocus. Doing it for such a worthy cause adds an extra benefit.”

For the 100 miles challenge, she has been walking and strength training with kettlebells. “My main goal is to be more active!” she says. “Instead of coming up with excuses to stay out of the summer heat, I now have external motivation that gets me going.”

The challenge runs through Sept. 6. Participants can still sign up here, or support the event with a donation to it through this link.