Programs for Veterans, Service Members and Military Families Fueled by Donation
9/11 Promise Run participants wrap their 245-mile journey, Sept. 11, at the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero.
SPRINGFIELD, Va. (Sept. 18, 2017) – The 9/11 Promise Run recently raised more than $21,500 benefiting Hope For The Warriors, a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for veterans, service members and military families.
For the second year, runners from across the country gathered at the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero to wrap up the 9/11 Promise Run honoring those who gave fearlessly on 9/11 and to those who continue to fight for our country.
Starting three days earlier, (Sept. 9) at the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, relay teams of eight to 10 people ran approximately 245 miles ranging from 80-90 miles each day. All teams averaging a 10-minute mile pace to ensure that the mileage was covered.
This was not a race – but an event that held for a bigger cause. There was no winner or second or third place. Rather, three charities reaped the benefits of fundraising. Those charities include, Hope For The Warriors, Operation Homefront and American Red Cross raising an overall total of more than $43,000.
9/11 Promise Run founder and organizer, Jennifer DePoto talks about the meaning for the run and those who participated this year.
“A group of 27 people, mostly strangers to one another, of all different ages and from all walks of life, gathered together to stand united, to remember and honor all the lives lost, the military, emergency personnel and those directly impacted and still suffering,” said DePoto.
“This run is more than just a physical challenge – it’s a life changing experience. It provided hope and a sign of resilience and an opportunity for people to connect and share,” she added.
Three Marine warrior athletes participated on behalf of Team Hope For The Warriors, which provides athletes of all abilities the opportunity to engage the competitive spirit at endurance events.
Team Hope For The Warriors athlete Johnathon Solinsky shared what participating meant to him.
“I wanted to be a part of this run to raise awareness of the actions of 9/11, but to also raise awareness that there is still a conflict going on and to remind people of the men and women still overseas,” said Solinsky.
Celebrating 11 years of service, Hope For The Warriors assists veterans, service members and military families with a variety of programming including clinical health and wellness, sports and recreation, community and military relations and transition services.
“The 9/11 Promise Run is a great way for Team Hope For The Warriors athletes to engage their warrior spirts while supporting fellow military members,” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and president of the nonprofit organization. “We’re grateful to the 9/11 Promise Run organizers and participants for their support and remembering those we lost on 9/11 and those who continue to bravely serve and sacrifice for our country.”
In two years, the 9/11 Promise Run has raised more than $66,000 for five charities.
For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.
Contacts:
Hope For The Warriors 9/11 Promise Run
Erin McCloskey Jennifer DePoto
erin@aspirecommunications.org jennifer.depoto@gmail.com
(336) 207-5222
About Hope For The Warriors:
Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for post 9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served more than 13,000 through a variety of support programs focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement and connections to community resources. The nonprofit’s first program, A Warrior’s Wish, has granted 168 wishes to fulfill a desire for a better quality of life or support a quest for gratifying endeavors. In addition, Run For The Warriors has captured the hearts of more than 22,000 since 2010. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook or Twitter.
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