The Why: Semper Fi & America's Fund

On the morning before we leave for California to compete in the Race Across the West, I feel that it is important to share in-depth exactly why we chose the Semper Fi & America's Fund as our fundraiser. Out of the 50 or so solo racers and teams competing in either the Race Across the West or the full Race Across America, each racer or team chooses a non-profit of their choice to help raise money for. Some have chosen organizations that focus on hunger and food availability. Others have chosen organizations that focus primarily on prosthetics for injured athletes. When I was searching for a non-profit to support, I needed to check a few boxes of my own needs.

1. The organization needed to have low overhead, meaning that money raised found the pockets of those that need it.

2. The cause needed to align with my values. I truly needed to believe in the organization's cause to speak freely about our efforts to fundraise for them.

3. The organization needed to have an easy way to collect money, issue tax-deductible statements to our donors, and an efficient way to keep track of our donations.

With those ideas in mind, I began my search. As many already know I was privileged to serve 4 years of active duty in the United States Marine Corps. I was also honored to serve 3 years in our South Dakota National Guard. Our nation's military has given me a lot of great opportunities, the biggest being able to connect with outstanding like-minded individuals. I have met some of the greatest people in my life during my service in the Marines and the Army National Guard. Those that have served know that experiences may vary while in the military. Some see direct combat while others might not. Timing is either your friend or foe. With my past in mind, I was lead directly to the Semper Fi & America's Fund.

When researching the Semper Fi & America's Fund I quickly learned that it ticked all of my boxes.

1. The Semper Fi & America's Fund has a 97.28/100 "four-star" rating according to charity navigator. They have held this rating for 10 consecutive years, an achievement attained by only 2% of charities. They also boast an A+ Rating from Charity Watch, one of only two veteran nonprofits to receive their highest rating. They also have extremely low overhead, meaning the money reaches the cause rather than funding other costs.

2. The cause aligns directly with my values. Semper Fi & America's Fund is dedicated to providing immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to combat wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. They deliver the resources they need during recovery and transition back to their communities, working to ensure no one is left behind. What they "do" consists of many different avenues.

   1. Service Member & Family Support

      1. Bedside Financial Support

      2. Housing Assistance

      3. Transportation Assistance

      4. Specialized & Adaptive Equipment

      5. Visiting Nurse Program

      6. Caregiver Support & Retreats

      7. Lcpl Bob Parsons Welcome Home Fund

   2. Transition

      1. Veteran to Veteran Support

      2. Apprenticeship Programs

      3. Education & Career Assistance

      4. Veteran & Unit Reunions

      5. Semper Fi & America's Fund Odyssey Retreat

   3. Integrative Wellness

      1. PTSD & TBI Support

      2. Neuro Fitness

      3. High-Tech Wellness Devices

      4. Post-Traumatic Growth Video Resources

      5. Counseling

      6. Peter Murphy Sports Program

      7. Art & Music Program

      8. Jinx McCain Horsemanship Program

      9. Tim & Sandy Day Canine Program

Just saying that the Semper Fi & America's fund "Supports wounded Veterans", is an understatement. I was completely shocked to see just how in-depth their care goes. From its founding in 2004 through September 2020, the Semper Fi & America’s Fund has provided $240 million in assistance to 26,000 Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.

Finally, I needed an easy way to fundraise. The Semper Fi & America's fund had just that already set up for me. Navigating through their website I located the Semper Fi & America's Fund community athlete page. 10 minutes later I had my page set up and began receiving donations from family, friends, supporters, veterans, and other amazing people. To date, we have raised close to $5,000 dollars of our $20,000 goal. I want to personally thank everyone that has decided to give their hard-earned dollars to our cause. A cause that provides veterans with an answered prayer.

On June 15th, 2021 I will embark on one of the toughest physical events that I have will have done. It will be nothing compared to what some individuals have endured. What will keep us moving forward is not the thought of the finish line or a shiny medal. It will be the thought of some veteran waiting for a prayer to be answered. A prayer that we all have an opportunity to help answer.

I know there are hundreds if not thousands of individuals and families that are wanting and willing to donate. Please only if you are able, consider our fund as one of your tax-deductible donations for this year. I promise you It WILL be put to good use.

Link to donate to our fund: https://runsignup.com/mathewwollmann

Official Race Across the West Link to track our race progress starting June 15th - https://www.raceacrossthewest.org/live-tracking

We will also be updating our Facebook/Instagram pages with posts/stories.

Finally, here is a great video explaining the fund from those who have received assistance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIu4m0cwZRA&t=8s

Thank you!

Mathew Wollmann