Charity Beneficiary

[Texascwgrl]

 

[Texascwgrl]

The organizers and coordinators of the 2009 National Chevy Avalanche Meet are pleased to announce that we have selected the Fisher House
as the Charity benefit for this year's event.

http://www.fisherhouse.org

Information about the Fisher House from an independent charity evaluator: Fisher House Foundation

Their Mission (from the website):

Supporting America's military in their time of need, they provide "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.

The Program (from the website):

The Fisher House™ program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.
There is at least one Fisher House™ at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House™ program serves more than 10,000 families, and have made available nearly 2.5 million days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990. By law, there is no charge for any family to stay at a Fisher House operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Fisher House Foundation uses donations to reimburse the individual Fisher Houses operated by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. No family pays to stay at any Fisher House!

We will be donating all excess funds from registrations, raffles, shirts, and fund-raising events to the Fisher House.

[Texascwgrl]

Let us know if you are familiar with our Charity or if you would like more information, post up 

[Loggie]

Very deserving charity IMO but I’m a little bias 

[Texascwgrl]

Yes, me too...
I just finished setting this thread up. 

I talked to a lady at the gym who has used this charity and their services and she said it was wonderful for her and her family 

I am very excited it worked out for them (Fisher House) and us (CAFCNA).

[amd1900mp]

I am excited too!

[Z66 BUTCH]

Very good choice!

[HerAvy]

awesome choice!

[Texascwgrl]

Thanks HerAvy and Butch 

[Hop45]

Great idea with San Antonio beign such a big military city!  I work at a VA Medical Center here in TN and we are going to be getting our own Fisher House soon.  Have heard great things about them. Again, great choice!!

[INresponse]

Very good choice.   

 

[Texascwgrl]

Again, thank you for the positive feedback on our Beneficiary Choice.

[Chopped_Burban]

Excellent choice for the charity TCG. The program and houses they have around the country are great for keeping the families of injured service members right there close to their injured loved one during treatment. My compliments and gratitude on the choice. Thank you.

Alan

[Texascwgrl]

Excellent choice for the charity TCG. The program and houses they have around the country are great for keeping the families of injured service members right there close to their injured loved one during treatment. My compliments and gratitude on the choice. Thank you.

Alan

Thank you so much.  I found out about them through my bank, they support them.  Wouldn't it be great if I could get my bank to match what we gather... you know, that might not be a bad plan.  Might have to check that out

[Tango Chaser]

great selection in my humble opinion.  I wont be attending Nat's but as all this gets closer, I'll make  a donation via paypal to those collecting funds.

[Loggie]

great selection in my humble opinion.  I wont be attending Nat's but as all this gets closer, I'll make  a donation via paypal to those collecting funds.

Awesome thank you

[Texascwgrl]

great selection in my humble opinion.  I wont be attending Nat's but as all this gets closer, I'll make  a donation via paypal to those collecting funds.

Thank you.  Sorry I did not respond to this sooner 

[ChevLuv02]

If I am not able to make Nats this year I will definitely make a donation through paypal when it gets closer.

[Texascwgrl]

Thank you SO much.  Hope you can make it though 

[Hugz]

    AVTASTIC Choice...

[Texascwgrl]

Thank you HUGZ.  I have recently spoken with a lady that used this facility and it made things much less complicated on the family!  Just think of all of the stuff the military does for us... Let's show our appreciation by supporting the FISHER HOUSE 

[amd1900mp]

What a great organization to support.. 

[MS03 2500]

Is there anyway members can donate to this even if they are not coming. 

[amd1900mp]

Is there anyway members can donate to this even if they are not coming. 

I'm sure there is a way to donate to the Fischer House..

A person could register and receive the T-shirt and welcome bag.. All excess funds go to the charity.

[Texascwgrl]

After a discussion with JJs new boss, he will be making a monetary donation to the FISHER HOUSE 

[Just_Jeepin]

After a discussion with JJs new boss, he will be making a monetary donation to the FISHER HOUSE 

Unfortunately, he and his family had to use their services... but it was such a positive experience during such a dark time for him, he is eager to assist.

And he has approved my time off to attend Nationals as well!! 

JJ

[Hugz]

Come on lets help them out.. 
You know our armed forces are worth it!!!!!

[Texascwgrl]

Here are a few stories I have found:


Thanks for Your Support


The Fisher House™ [at Wright-Patterson AFB] has been a blessing to my husband and me. If it wasn't for the Fisher House, we would never have been able to come and have the treatments he needed. I was afraid, but the Fisher House™ manager made us feel right at home.

You will never find another place on this earth with such warmth, hospitality and compassion. Most of all, you feel special and much loved. I feel as if I am one of the family at Fisher House™.

- The Stone Family


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you very much for your support during my grandson's illness. We needed a place to stay during his hospitalization at Fort Hood's Darnall Hospital. Thanks to Fisher House™, we were in walking distance and one parent could exchange overnight duty with the baby. My daughter and son-in-law stayed each night at the Fisher House™ with a place to eat, change clothes and rest.

- The Hill Family


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Six months into my pregnancy and stationed in Germany, I suffered a third degree heart attack block and was flown to the National Naval Medical Center [Bethesda, MD]. My husband was deployed to Bosnia and was not aware of the emergency. I also had two other small children. The staff notified me about Fisher House™. My children stayed there with my parents, sister and brother.

I underwent heart surgery and stayed in a home environment [at Fisher House™] during my convalescence. I will never forget the Fisher House™ in Bethesda nor will I forget the wonderful Thanksgiving dinner they provided for my family and children.

- Army Sergeant First Class


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is truly amazing how in times of need, perfect strangers come together and unite as family, each person doing his/her part in support of everyone and everything. I don't think you could ever find that kind of togetherness, generosity, caring and warmth (a general love for other human beings) anywhere but the Fisher House. It was great to be a part of the lives of some truly exceptional people, even if only for a short while.

- Peter and Family


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our son Joe suffered a cerebral aneurysm 18 days after graduating from West Point. Following a lengthy surgery and recovery period at the Mayo Clinics, Joe was moved to the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN for rehabilitation.

After two days in a motel, we moved to Fisher House™. You can never believe the positive effect! The beautiful surroundings brought us out of bleak despair. Being able to converse with others experiencing trauma in their lives was a catharsis for us. The room was our ³home-away-from-home." For Joe's first wheelchair ride, his brothers pushed him across the street to show him "our home." We cannot thank you enough for the many kindnesses we experienced in the Fisher House™ and for the many friends we met who also used this place of respite while dealing with a loved one's illness.

- The Oppold Family


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My father had open heart surgery at the Denver VA Medical Center, and since we live in Nebraska, we needed a place to stay to be with my dad. I was so scared that it was going to cost us so much money.

When we arrived at the Fisher House™, we thought we were in a dream! I know the good Lord was there watching our faces of joy. The house was so nice, and the inside of the house was spotless. When we stayed there all the rooms were full, and we were all like one big family, getting together in the evenings in the kitchen, talking about our loved ones and giving each other support and prayers.

- The Dickey Family

[amd1900mp]

Thanks for finding and sharing those stories!

[Texascwgrl]

Due to lack of interest for a few events:

We will be having a duty day at the Fisher House on Friday, JJ is getting the details.  Be ready to step up and help out 

[Texascwgrl]

One job that has been mentioned at one house is putting down BBQ platform with pavers.  The other idea we had, since there are 2 houses here in San Antonio, is doing a food drive for the other house. 

So if you have a few extra canned goods or boxed goods you can bring, do it 

[Strobin'01]

Due to lack of interest for a few events:

We will be having a duty day at the Fisher House on Friday, JJ is getting the details.  Be ready to step up and help out 

I thought Wednesday was Fisher House and Friday modding.

[Texascwgrl]

I thought Wednesday was Fisher House and Friday modding.

The Fisher House deal will not take away from MODDING.  We can MOD any day during the week of Nationals 
------------------------------------------------

Below is information taken from the following link:

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,104783.0.html

Please be advised that there will be more POINTS OF INTEREST added and maybe minor changes made to the schedule between now and July.
Thank you


Wednesday:
-Fisher House
There are 2 main locations in San Antonio...
**4 houses at Ft Sam Houston (Brooke Army Medical Center - 16.7 mi – about 23 mins)
**3 houses at Lackland AFB (Wilford Hall Medical Center - 15.4 mi – about 23 mins
-Laser Quest (2 locations both only open 5 pm to 9 pm) 6.6 mi – about 16 mins Map
-High Octane Tune Up:  Nelson Performance  23.6 mi – about 29 mins Map
-Malibu Grand Prix-go carts 2.1 mi – about 8 mins Map
-Memorial cruise to cemetery and Haunted Railroad Crossing (evening)  20.9 mi – about 35 mins Map



Friday:
-Dyno:  Fuel Injection Specialties of San Antonio, TX (9am)  13.0 mi – about 22 mins Map
-Off-Roading: Cline’s Ranch (getting there between 11 and 11:30am)  31.3 mi – about 51 mins Map
-Texas Hold'em (7:45pm in commons area of hotel)


Again, we can MOD any day!  After reviewing when folks are coming in and the interest in all areas of activities, this is what seems to work the best so we have some kind of activity for each day. 

Thank you for your understanding as we continue to prepare for Nationals 09 

[Texascwgrl]

JJ and I went yesterday and spent about an hour and a half touring the houses and getting information for our service project.  Here are a few pics from the grounds.

[Texascwgrl]

I was a very moving experience to visit the facilities.  The volunteers are wonderful to dedicate so much time and effort to helping these families during such difficult times.  Here are a few more pictures:

[Texascwgrl]

Last, but not least, our project will be building a place to enclose a grill, similar to the one in this picture.  We are currently working with Lowes/Home Depot to get the materials donated for construction.

[Texascwgrl]

One more picture... JJ will be better to explain this last picture, but here is what I understood: 

The circle you see made of marble in the picture is broken at the bottom. 
This is used to illustrate how the wounded soldier comes to the facility broken. 
The lane and the building behind the piece as well as the Fisher Houses is where the soldiers will heal, physically and emotionally.
Eventually becoming whole again 

Thank you to all who have supported Nationals 09 and the Fisher House, I cannot wait for you all to get here and see for yourself what a beautiful place this is and the many ways they help out SO MANY families 

[JRAM]

Awesome pics and stories,  thanks for posting these!!!  Let's get this paver project done!!!

[Texascwgrl]

Looks like the project planned will take a bit more time to plan then we have so we have a different project and it is easier.  The paving stones for the grill will done too, just not during Nationals. 

We will be redoing a walkway during Nationals with the remainder being done with the local scouts for an Eagle Scout project 

[JRAM]

Looks like the project planned will take a bit more time to plan then we have so we have a different project and it is easier.  The paving stones for the grill will done too, just not during Nationals. 

We will be redoing a walkway during Nationals with the remainder being done with the local scouts for an Eagle Scout project 

Heard from Kenny, the Eagle Scout, yesterday.  We're making plans to GTG to iron out the details and put together a sketch of the project.

JRAM

[Texascwgrl]

Heard from Kenny, the Eagle Scout, yesterday.  We're making plans to GTG to iron out the details and put together a sketch of the project.

JRAM

Great, keep me posted and thank you so much for your dedication and help 

[JRAM]

Kenny and the Eagles scouts are going to lay a 7' X 12' concrete pad for the bar-b-q area and build a cover for it.  CAFCNA will build the PaveStone walkway from the gazebo to the b-b-q pad (16' X 5').  Once the Fisher House gets the area checked for water, electric and gas lines, we can start on the project.  Hopefully we get approval right away so we can work on it during Nationals!!

[Texascwgrl]

Thank you for the update 

[amd1900mp]

Thank you for the update 

X2!

[Z66 BUTCH]

That is great, having a project that members can help with! Remember to post the pictures........

[Texascwgrl]

That is great, having a project that members can help with! Remember to post the pictures........

Shoot, you know me 

I am a queen at posting pictures 

[JRAM]

Kenny and the Eagles scouts are going to lay a 7' X 12' concrete pad for the bar-b-q area and build a cover for it.  CAFCNA will build the PaveStone walkway from the gazebo to the b-b-q pad (16' X 5').  Once the Fisher House gets the area checked for water, electric and gas lines, we can start on the project.  Hopefully we get approval right away so we can work on it during Nationals!!

We have the all clear!!  I spoke with Kenny and he plans to get started right away.  Hopefully his project will be complete by Friday next week so we can get ours done on time!! 

Bring your work gloves!!

[Texascwgrl]

We have the all clear!!  I spoke with Kenny and he plans to get started right away.  Hopefully his project will be complete by Friday next week so we can get ours done on time!! 

Bring your work gloves!!

I received an email from a local Vet/soldier that wants to help!  He has an 02 LPM    I will be contacting him tomorrow with details!!!  OR maybe, John you might be a better person to make the calls.. you have all the details!  Thanks for your help!

[Texascwgrl]

Here are a few pics from our service project 

[Texascwgrl]

 

The last pic is of the Center of the Intrepid 

[MS03 2500]

Wow that is nice, if I ever have the pleasure to host one it will be Habitat for Humanity.

[Texascwgrl]

Not sure if I have said, but JRAM, JJ and I will continue the path you see to the other side of the gazebo that will lead to a cement pad which will hold a grill.  We still have some work ahead of us!  We did get the other side leveled and set up to move ahead last Friday!  Thank you to all who helped!

[trAVelingman]

What was the total donation to the charity?

[JRAM]

What was the total donation to the charity?

We have not finished all of the accounting yet.  We are hoping to get some matching donations.  I'm sure we'll post the number when we get all the $$ counted.

[Texascwgrl]

We have not finished all of the accounting yet.  We are hoping to get some matching donations.  I'm sure we'll post the number when we get all the $$ counted.

Yes, that is correct.  The total will be posted 

[amd1900mp]

Job well done everyone.. Thanks for your support!

[Texascwgrl]

Ok... I just got the cashiers check for the Fisher House for all donations from the GTG, thank you again to everyone who donated.

The Chevy Avalanche Fan Club National Event 09 collected $1136 for the Fisher House. 

We are still working the total by way of matching donations and collecting money to pay for supplies for the remainder of our service project.  I will continue to update this thread as we get additional donations/funds for the Fisher House.

Thank you again to everyone who participated.

[Hugz]

GREAT JOB TCG and team....   

[Z66 BUTCH]

WONDERFUL, I knew that you would do a great job! 

[Strobin'01]

 

[amd1900mp]

Way to go San Antonio 09!

[Strobin'01]

And the soldiers at the Fisher House provided a service for us. They are protecting our freedom. I saw one soldier in a wheelchair with no legs and before that his mother told us if it wasn't for the Fisher House and people's generosity she wouldn't know what to do. Also seen another soldier with two artificial legs. I was happy to donate and provide them with a service.....giving them a walkway to roll their wheelchairs down so they could enjoy the outside. 

[irontrain]

I removed a few posts to a separate thread in Dave's B&G. Please leave this thread to it's original topic. Thank you.

[oilfieldtrash]

I removed a few posts to a separate thread in Dave's B&G. Please leave this thread to it's original topic. Thank you.

Thanks, Irontrain.

[Strobin'01]

So, did we ever get the logo placed on one of the Fisher doors?

[Texascwgrl]

So, did we ever get the logo placed on one of the Fisher doors?

I will find out here in a few days  

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,114123.0.html