Military and veteran families supporting their hospitalized loved ones received an extra arm of support thanks to a donation by Bourbon Charity to the Fisher House Foundation.
Bourbon Charity, a new nonprofit organization, raised $75,000 in a viral fundraising campaign in June, and delivered a donation of $12,000 on July 25 to the Fisher House Foundation, one of five charities it has pledged to support in 2019.
Fisher House Foundation establishes housing facilities at military and VA medical centers globally where up to 1,100 families can stay cost-free while tending to their loved ones in the hospital.
“At Fisher House, we consider it an honor to serve our military and veterans and their families, and we depend on the generous American public to be a part of the solution,” Fisher House Foundation recently said in a statement to American Military News.
Fisher House Foundation has housed more than 368,000 families since their first two Fisher Houses were constructed in 1991, and has saved families an estimated $50 million in lodging and transportation costs.
Each Fisher House has up to 21 living suites with private bedrooms and bathrooms, along with common kitchen, dining, living, and laundry areas.
“Bourbon Charity is honored to support Fisher House Foundation and its mission to improve the quality of life for members of the military, veterans, and their families,” Bourbon Charity said in a statement to American Military News.
Bourbon Charity raised the funds during its 2019 Annual Ultimate Bourbon Giveaway on Father’s Day, accumulating the $75,000 among 727 donors among its community of Bourbon enthusiasts.
It was the organization’s first fundraiser, and they are hopeful they will replicate that success in future fundraising efforts.
Founder Brandon Hunt said, “I was completely shocked! I’m so grateful for the generosity and the kind words of encouragement I received from the Bourbon community during this first fundraising event. I’m blessed to have made a lot of new friendships and honored to be a steward for our community of supporters.”
Hunt selected Fisher House as one of his five supported charities due to his support of the military and his family ties. It was his brother, Air Force Maj. Brian Hunt, who delivered the donation to Fisher House.
He harnesses the power of social media to raise awareness and funds to support his selection of charities, which also include Prostate Cancer Foundation, Children’s Tumor Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of East Valley, and Charity: Water.
“Bourbon Charity makes our mission possible by finding an innovative way to connect passion for making a difference with our heroes and their loved ones,” Fisher House Foundation said.
