Five American Legion commissions engaged in a friendly fundraising competition, while donations were collected during Day 1 of National Executive Committee meetings.
American Legion National Commander Wiley’s goal to raise $150,000 for the Veterans & Children Foundation through the USA 250 Challenge got a boost of $19,806.
The money was raised on May 6 during the organization’s Spring Meetings and helped nearly push the fundraising goal to $100,000.
"I am incredibly proud of American Legion Family members who demonstrated their kindness, generosity and patriotism for the USA 250 Challenge during Spring Meetings," National Commander Dan Wiley said. "A flurry of donations pushed our total collected for the VCF over $100,000. I want to specially thank President (Pam) Ray for the generous $10,000 donation from the Auxiliary. With just under two months left in the challenge, these donations help us get closer to my goal of $150,000 for the VCF. And I know we can achieve that goal because we are Legion Family strong.”
This is the result of:
- $2,430 in donations collected from the National Excutive Committee (NEC) and other Legion officers passing a hat during Wiley’s opening remarks at National Headquarters Wednesday morning.
- $10,000 donation from the American Legion Auxiliary presented by Ray during her remarks to the NEC.
- $4,701 raised from a friendly fundraising competition among five American Legion commissions that met this week – Americanism Commission ($1,282), Internal Affairs Commission ($1,135), Finance Commission ($1,060), Media & Communications Commission ($703) and Marketing Commission ($521).
- $2,675 collected during the national commander’s dinner through cash donations and the auction of art and a quilt.
There is still time to join the challenge and fundraise to meet the national commander’s goal. Learn more at legion.org/usa250challenge. The American Legion’s USA 250 Challenge consists of 250 miles or hours logged in one or more of the three categories – physical fitness, mental wellness and community service – and encourages fundraising for The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation.
What do donations to the Veterans & Children Foundation support?
- American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance grants of up to $2,500 to active duty servicemembers and American Legion members with minor child(ren) in the home to help the veteran provide for the basic needs of their child(ren) when financial hardship occurs. The grant helps pay for shelter, food, utilities, clothing, medical expenses and other essentials. Learn more here.
- Training for American Legion accredited veteran service officers who provide benefits claims and assistance for veterans and their families free of charge.
- USA250 Challenge