FosterEd Arizona Receives $500,000 From The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to Increase Support for Arizona Students in Foster Care.

FosterEd Arizona, an organization dedicated to improving graduation rates and life outcomes for children in foster care, has received a $500,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. The grant will allow FosterEd to take full advantage of Arizona’s Foster Youth Education Success Fund, which allows state funds to match up to $500,000 in philanthropic funding.

“I was a very distracted student who failed the 5th grade and almost didn’t graduate high school, so I can only imagine how challenging it must be for foster children to stay focused on school work while dealing with the additional stresses they face in their personal lives,” said American entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons. “FosterEd offers the extra support and encouragement that can make a real difference in their futures.”

For many foster children, learning is interrupted by multiple home and school moves. FosterEd, an initiative of the National Center for Youth Law (NCYL), operates under the framework that all foster youth should have an Education Champion who can support the student’s long-term education success. This includes establishing an Education Team of engaged adults – caregivers, teachers and child welfare caseworkers – who develop an ongoing education plan based on each student’s academic strengths and needs.

“All children deserve to have someone on their side, looking out for them, someone who will advocate for equal education opportunities during what is often an incredibly tumultuous time in their lives,” said businesswoman and philanthropist Renee Parsons. “FosterEd works to ensure these students have the support they need not only to continue their education but excel through graduation.”

A recent study showed that only one third of Arizona students in foster care who enrolled in grade 12 graduated in the 2012/2013 school year – one of the lowest graduation rates among at-risk student subgroups. The FosterEd approach has been shown to improve attendance and graduation rates for students in foster care while also transforming the public agencies that serve them by advocating for legislative change and sharpening state focus around education for children in these programs.

“The funding from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, combined with the state match, will allow us to support many more foster children,” said FosterEd Arizona’s Director Molly Dunn. “It will also enable us to expand our efforts to more students, develop youth leadership councils and increase our volunteer capacity.”

In Arizona, FosterEd works with a committed group of local and state partners, parents and students to create a future in which the majority of foster youth graduate high school. The campaign began with the launch of a demonstration site in Pima County, the success of which allowed the organization to expand programming throughout Maricopa County. To learn more about FosterEd Arizona, visit www.foster-ed.org/topics/arizona/.

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Names Parsons Field Institute in Honor of $600,000 Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy has officially branded its research facility, The Parsons Field Institute, in honor of a $600,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. The Conservancy partners with scientists and volunteers to conduct research that builds best practices for long-term resource management, contributes to the broader scientific knowledge of natural areas and creates educational opportunities.

“As Scottsdale residents, Bob and I value the breathtaking views and public access of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and we want to help ensure it is sustained for future generations,” said businesswoman and philanthropist Renee Parsons.

Nestled in the mountains of North Scottsdale, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve encompasses more than 30,000 acres of land with nearly 170 miles of trails. In addition to its work to understand and preserve this territory, the field institute is helping spearhead a regional, open space conservation strategy. The grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will support the field office for three years, allowing the Conservancy to further its scientific efforts to:

Assess the impact of urban stressors and climate change on the Preserve
Improve best management practices in ecological restoration and control of invasive non-native plant species for the Sonoran Desert and other arid lands

“We are grateful to Bob and Renee Parsons for their ongoing support of our goal to become the leader in urban preserve management and be long-time stewards of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve,” said Justin Owen, executive director of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. “Funding for The Parsons Field Institute will allow us to deepen our research and expand community programs in the areas of education, advocacy and access.”

Bob and Renee Parsons have been longtime supporters of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and through The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation have granted more than $800,000 to the Conservancy over the past six years. The recent grant will also support marketing efforts to enrich the Conservancy’s brand and elevate community awareness. Additionally, BIG YAM, The Parsons Agency – a full service advertising firm owned by Bob Parsons – is donating $100,000 of pro-bono work to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy and brand assets for the Conservancy.

“I’ve always said that Arizona is one of the last great states for business, and it is undeniably a beautiful place to live,” said American businessman and philanthropist Bob Parsons. “We believe in maintaining a balance between development and preservation, which is why we support the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and the work being done to protect and promote our state’s natural resources.”

A nonprofit organization, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy relies on more than 650 steward volunteers that provide time and expertise to help residents and visitors experience, enjoy and learn from the Sonoran Desert. To learn more visit mcdowellsonoran.org or follow @mcdowellsonoranconservancy on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Provides $750,000 Gift To The Southwest Center For HIV/Aids “Test & Treat” Program.

The First Of Its Kind In Arizona

Thanks to a $750,000 donation from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS will now offer a “Test & Treat” program that will be the first of its kind in Arizona. The gift will enhance the agency’s already strong testing capabilities and provide additional resources for immediate treatment. The approach is aligned with the World Health Organization’s policy aimed at cutting HIV transmission by suppressing the virus in those carrying it, and in turn, decreasing their likelihood of passing it on to others. Since 2012, the Foundation has awarded more than $11 million to the Southwest Center through multiple grants, including the creation of The Parsons Center for Health and Wellness.

“Placing those who test positive for HIV on treatment early in their diagnosis, providing immediate access to both medications and behavioral healthcare, will help ensure that the virus is suppressed, undetectable and less likely to spread. This is an essential part of the fight against this disease. We sincerely appreciate the continued generosity and commitment from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to help end the HIV epidemic in Arizona,” says Kristin Kalla, executive director for the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS.

The program builds on the Southwest Center’s existing services since the agency provides more HIV tests, and identifies more HIV positive individuals, than any other community-based organization in Arizona. The HIV Test & Treat program will increase the Center’s capacity to scale-up in-house medical care, including same-day medication prescriptions to those individuals who test positive. These services will be integrated into existing linkages to care, medical case management, behavioral health, pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis, AHCCCS insurance navigation, nutrition services and targeted community outreach initiatives.

“People are typically met with compassion when serious illness strikes. That’s not always the case for those impacted by HIV/AIDS,” said Bob Parsons. “Southwest Center provides compassionate, culturally-competent and immediate care at a time when those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS are most vulnerable, both physically and emotionally.”

The Southwest Center has signed and is committed to the United Nations’ UNAIDS 90-90-90 initiative with the goal of achieving the following targets by 2020: 90% of people living with HIV diagnosed; 90% of diagnosed people on antiretroviral treatment; and 90% of people in treatment have full viral suppression.

“The Southwest Center continues to build on the breadth of services they offer to clients here in Arizona,” said Renee Parsons. “Bob and I are dedicated to increasing access to medical care to those who are underserved, including those living with HIV/AIDS.”

Having HIV testing and care under one roof helps reduce the barriers to immediate care that those who are newly diagnosed with HIV often experience. It will be a critical contribution to the success of the City of Phoenix’s 90-90-90 Fast Track Cities Initiative aimed at ending AIDS as a public health threat in our community by 2020. Phoenix is the 10th city in the United States to sign on to the 90-90-90 initiative, and agency Executive Director Kristin Kalla is on the mayor’s ad hoc committee helping create action plans to achieve each of the initiative’s components.

“HIV/AIDS is a public health crisis that our community can and will eradicate,” said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. “The City of Phoenix is committed to the health of our residents, so that every person can live a full life, uninhibited by illness. The community is grateful for this generous donation from Bob and Renee Parsons to work toward the mission of eradicating HIV/AIDS.”

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council Completes $18 Million Campaign for Girls.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation $1.6 Million Matching Challenge Reaches $3.2 Million Goal

Thanks to a successful matching challenge from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) has reached the completion of its five-year, $18 million Campaign for Girls in Arizona. As a result, the Council can now provide a wider range of educational and empowering experiences to more than 21,000 girls in over 90 Arizona communities.

Through the campaign, the Girl Scouts built The Bob & Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls & Women at Camp South Mountain, a year-round urban program and leadership center with camp amenities that opened in April 2017. By the end of last year, more than 7,000 Girl Scouts, adult volunteers, staff and community members were on site to either take a tour, enjoy summer camp, or attend meetings, training and other programs.

“We embarked on the Campaign for Girls because we want a better future for Arizona’s girls. By transforming our existing property into this new leadership center, we can bring the power of Girl Scouting to more girls throughout the state, including those from underserved communities,” said Tamara Woodbury, CEO of GSACPC. “We are very grateful for the continued support of The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation. Their investment helps us develop the leadership potential of girls in a safe, all-girl environment where girls can try new things, risk failure and find success, build their self-confidence and become better prepared to contribute as leaders in the future.”

The new center extends the 60-year legacy of the 14.5-acre property – previously known as Camp Sombrero – and increases the organization’s capacity to provide more Girl Scouts with relevant programming including leadership training, life skills, and specialized programs in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). Additionally, the campus allows GSACPC to provide adult training programs and develop partnerships with surrounding community groups and schools.

“Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council is teaching girls and women to be courageous, confident and true to themselves,” said businesswoman and philanthropist, Renee Parsons. “With the completion of the campaign, the organization now has a new, beautiful multi-use facility to elevate our youth and offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success.”

Longtime supporters of Girl Scouts, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation gifted $5 million to the campaign in 2015, and in June 2017, the Foundation issued a matching grant challenge to GSACPC, agreeing to match all donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $1.6 million. The challenge succeeded in raising the final $3.2 million to close-out the Campaign For Girls in Arizona this spring. In total, The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation has gifted more than $7 million, which includes the largest single gift ever received by a Girl Scout Council nationwide.

“I’ve had strong female leaders at the top of virtually every business I’ve created, and Girl Scouting helps prepare our Arizona girls for future leadership,” said American entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons. “Being part of such a successful campaign helped our future leaders learn firsthand if they work hard and believe in themselves, anything is possible.”

Other notable gifts include those from The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation, and the Girl Scouts themselves, who raised more than $1 million through their cookie sales. The Emerald Foundation provided the first gift to ensure the campus would be ADA accessible.

Apart from increasing services to local girls, regardless of their ethnicity, physical abilities, circumstances or economic status, The Parsons Leadership Center offers spaces for large and small meetings and training, tent and cabin camping, a demonstration kitchen and kitchen garden, two pools, a Girl Scout museum and shop, a playing field, archery range, campfire circle and labyrinths. This will be the second summer Girl Scouts offer day and residential camp for girls K-12 at this site.

For more information about Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council or the Campaign for Girls in Arizona, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org.

Make-A-Wish® Arizona Wish Ball raises $3 million toward future Arizona wishes.

Make-A-Wish^® Arizona is pleased to announce that the 2018 Make-A-Wish Arizona Wish Ball, presented by Phusion Projects, raised approximately $3 million in a single night. The funds will help grant 300 future wishes to local children facing serious medical conditions, thanks in large part to a combined $1.5 million donation from Bob and Renee Parsons and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

“There are three things that bring happiness to our lives: someone to love, having a purpose, and something to look forward to. It’s this third thing that Make-A-Wish Arizona brings to our Arizona Wish Kids,” said businesswoman and philanthropist Renee Parsons. “When we have something to look forward to, something special, that makes us feel special, miracles can happen. This is what Make-A-Wish is all about.”

Jill Krigsten Riley and Mari Lederman co-chaired this year’s sold-out event and developed the theme, A Wish Come True, that was enjoyed by the 1,000 guests in attendance. Thanks to corporate sponsorships – like Title Sponsor Phusion Projects, Superstar Sponsors The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and Discover – 100 percent of the dollars raised Friday night will be used to grant wishes to local children and families.

“I was in awe of the generosity of our guests, and the impact that generosity will have on future wish kids right here in Arizona,” said Elizabeth Reich, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona. “It is our vision to reach every eligible child in Arizona and provide them with wish experiences that can transform their lives. Events like our Wish Ball prove that others are invested in our vision as well.”

At this year’s Wish Ball, Make-A-Wish Arizona honored Renee Parsons, who has played a critical role in the growth of the chapter over the past six years as a member of the Board of Directors. During her speech, Renee pledged $1 million from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation toward future wishes. The Parsons donated an additional $300,000 from the Foundation later in the event, and $200,000 personally during the live auction. Long-time donors, the Parsons have gifted more than $9 million to Make-A-Wish Arizona, including the donation of The Parsons Wish House, which more than tripled the organization’s physical space.

Wish Ball also included a wish kid moment, silent and live auctions and musical entertainment. More than nine wish families were in attendance to speak to guests about the transformational power of a wish.

“Our wish kid ambassadors were treated like celebrities by our guests, which made the experience even more special for them,” said Reich. “To see so many people engaged with our mission and our wish kids was inspirational, creating a night that was a wish come true for our chapter.”

To learn more about Make-A-Wish Arizona and how to get involved, visit: Arizona.wish.org.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Awards $180,000 In Educational Scholarships To Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Youth Of The Year Finalists.

During the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale’s (BGCS) annual Celebrate Youth at Blue Door Ball gala, Bob and Renee Parsons surprised the audience by awarding educational scholarships to all eight Youth of the Year finalists. Youth of the Year is a national program run by Boys & Girls Clubs of America that honors leadership, exceptional academic performance and service in the community.

“Education can play a crucial role in changing a life,” said American entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons. “Renee and I believe that everyone deserves the chance to pursue higher education, and we’re happy to open that door for these outstanding Youth Of The Year finalists.”

During the event, Marena Sever from the Thunderbirds Branch was awarded the top honor and named the 2018 BGCS Youth of the Year. Celebrating her achievement, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation granted Marena a $40,000 scholarship. All remaining finalists were also awarded $20,000 scholarships from the Parsons Foundation, some of whom were not sure how they would pay for a college education.

“I am overwhelmed, and so thankful for this entire experience,” said Sever. “The generosity of the Parsons will make it possible for me to attend my dream school and study political science.”

Celebrate Youth at Blue Door Ball is the signature fundraiser for the youth development organization, which includes silent and live auctions, paddle raisers and various raffles. Throughout the evening, Youth of the Year finalists from eight of the BGCS branch locations presented their stories of triumph and transformation to the more than 700 in attendance. The 2018 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Youth of the Year will go on to compete at the state level with the potential to move onto regional and national competitions.

“The scholarships are about giving students the opportunity to follow their dreams,” said businesswomen and philanthropist Renee Parsons. “It was inspiring to watch the presentations from the Youth of the Year finalists, and we wish them luck as they take the next step in their journey to a better future.”

This is the second year in a row that the Parsons have made impromptu scholarship gifts to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale’s Youth of the Year finalists. In addition to $180,000 in scholarship funds this year, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation also gave $200,000 through live auction items and other donations.

“We are so grateful for the continued support of Bob and Renee Parsons,” said Dr. Lisa Hurst, BGCS President & CEO. “All of our youth have tremendous potential, and we know that children who attend a Boys & Girls Club are more inclined to pursue higher education. These scholarships will be life changing for our teens.”

Research has shown that the more time youth spend at a Boys & Girls Club, the more connected they feel to school and the greater their post-secondary aspirations become. Thousands of youth walk through the door of a Boys & Girls Club every day, where they are prepared to become 21^st-century leaders, globally competitive graduates, innovative dream-makers and healthy game-changers. To learn more visit: www.bgcs.org.

Semper Fi Fund and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Raise More Than $22.7 Million in “Double Down for Veterans” Matching Challenge.

The Semper Fi Fund recently announced its “Double Down for Veterans” match campaign has exceeded the $20 million goal. With the funds raised and the substantial $10 million matching contribution by The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, the campaign netted a total of $22,794,658 million in funding to support injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

“Like our military service members themselves, Semper Fi Fund never wavers,” said American entrepreneur, philanthropist and U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran Bob Parsons. “Renee and I are encouraged to see the outpouring of support for our Veterans through the success of this campaign.”

The campaign ran from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2017, with all donations matched dollar-for-dollar by The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. The latest gift has raised The Foundation’s cumulative support of the Fund to more than $40 million since 2012. With backing from The Foundation and donors responding to the matching challenge, Semper Fi Fund has achieved an 80 percent growth in assistance to injured Veterans in the past five years.

“Semper Fi Fund is focused on assisting our service members on their journey to recover, transition and thrive,” said Semper Fi Fund President, Executive Director and Founder, Karen Guenther. “There are many more who need our help, and thanks to the generosity of Bob and Renee, we are able to continue our mission of providing innovative and effective resources to our brave soldiers in their hour of need.”

The funds raised during the “Double Down for Veterans” campaign will help the Fund’s efforts across three major areas.

Service Member and Family Support Programs help the lives of wounded members and their families with housing and transportation assistance, specialized and adaptive equipment and caregiver support.
Transition Programs help injured servicemen and women thrive beyond injury to recovery, with education support and career assistance.
Integrative Wellness Programs offer a holistic approach to improve body, mind and spirit with a focus on the long-term health of the whole person, counseling and additional resources.

“Bob and I would like to thank everyone who joined us in this match to help provide Veterans and their families with vital resources,” said businesswoman and philanthropist Renee Parsons. “There is no one more deserving of our support than the men and women who have made incredible sacrifices in service to our country.”

Learn more about those benefiting from the work of the organization on the Fund’s social media channels: Facebook.com/semperfifund and Twitter.com/semperfifund.

Hamilton’s Celebrated Education Program Debuts February 23 In Tempe.

2,700 Students and Teachers Will Attend Performance at ASU Gammage

The innovative educational program that debuted at HAMILTON on Broadway will continue in Tempe on Friday, February 23 when 2,700 students and teachers from Arizona high schools attend the matinee performance of the musical at ASU Gammage.

The February 23 all-student matinee performance in Tempe will provide more than 2,700 Arizona high school students the opportunity to experience the musical HAMILTON after having spent several weeks in their classrooms studying American history through a special integrated curriculum about Alexander Hamilton and the nation’s Founding Fathers.

In addition to seeing a performance of HAMILTON, students will participate in a Q&A with members of the HAMILTON cast. As well, students representing various schools in attendance will perform an original work they created based on their classroom studies – songs, rap, poetry, scenes, monologues – on the ASU Gammage stage in front of their peers.

The Hamilton Education Program is one of several history education programs at the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Its president, James G. Basker — who devised the education program in New York in tandem with HAMILTON creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, producer Jeffrey Seller, The Rockefeller Foundation and the NYC Department of Education — adds, “This project is transformative. HAMILTON has struck a chord with our nation’s students because it embodies what great history education is all about: bringing the past to life, and fostering connections with the exceptional individuals and moments that have made us who we are. This program empowers students to reclaim their own narrative and empowers teachers to bridge classroom learning with the stage.”

HAMILTON producer Jeffrey Seller, who was instrumental in developing the HAMILTON Education Program, says about the program in Tempe, “Our goal is to ensure that students have a shot to see HAMILTON and use its words, music and staging to further their understanding and enjoyment of American History, music and drama. We’ve had the pleasure of expanding the education program outside of New York in Los Angeles, Chicago and other cities around the country.”

Dr. Rajiv Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation said “After the initial success of the partnership in New York City we could not throw away our shot to ensure students across the United States had the opportunity to witness living breathing history. We look forward to seeing the creativity and engagement this program continues to spur.”

The HAMILTON producers are making tickets for this educational partnership available for $70, $60 of which is subsidized by The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and the Abbett Family Foundation. Tickets will cost $10 for each student.

The Rockefeller Foundation provided an initial grant of $1.46 million that funded the educational partnership in New York City. After the resounding success of the partnership in New York, The Rockefeller Foundation committed an additional $6 million to the effort to support the national expansion of the program. The Rockefeller Foundation has a long history of supporting the arts and humanities, fueled by a belief that the cultivation of aesthetic sensibilities through literature, music and other fine arts is essential to the well-being of humanity. The HAMILTON Education Program underscores the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing the vitality of American cultural institutions and the role of the arts as a catalyst for social change.

HAMILTON is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

The HAMILTON creative team previously collaborated on the 2008 Tony Award ® Winning Best Musical In the Heights.

HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, and casting by Telsey + Company, Bethany Knox, CSA.

The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.

The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording is available everywhere nationwide. The HAMILTON recording received a 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album.

For information on HAMILTON, visit www.HamiltonMusical.com, www.Facebook.com/HamiltonMusical, www.Instagram.com/HamiltonMusical and www.Twitter.com/HamiltonMusical.

Giving Hope to Heroes.

Corporal Carlos Garcia lost both legs and sustained other traumatic injuries in Afghanistan. Semper Fi Fund has supported his family during recovery and his return to an active life. Credit: Semper Fi Fund.

Our nation’s most severely wounded and critically ill veterans can turn to Semper Fi Fund for help rebuilding their lives after the personal devastations of war.

by Laura Mitchell, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation | Article in Washington Monthly- Successes of Philanthropy

I sit writing this article in the aftermath of multiple natural disasters—historic hurricanes and flooding in Houston, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, fires raging in the northwest U.S. and earthquakes abroad. The devastation is shocking in both its magnitude and its persistence. Yet what amazes me most is not the destruction, but the overwhelming sense of spirit in humanity, the coming together of neighbors and strangers alike to help one another, and the outpouring of leadership from everyday citizens.

Time and again, what proves most poignant to me is the value of these human connections. Chaos and devastation have a unique way of shining a spotlight on humanity’s capacity for love and compassion and, as inconceivable as it may sound, revealing beauty in the suffering.

This isn’t the first time I’ve marveled at the value of human connection. At The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, we make it our daily work to uncover pockets of goodness where people and organizations come to the aid of those who need it most. We make investments, in the form of grants, to organizations striving to improve the lives of our nation’s critically injured veterans and improve outcomes for individuals and families living in poverty.

Now in its sixth year, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has awarded more than $140 million in grants. Of that amount, our largest investment in a single organization is the $42 million awarded to Semper Fi Fund. The partnership started in 2012 with a conversation on the golf course. Bob and Renee Parsons were told by a friend (and, like Mr. Parsons, a Vietnam Marine veteran) that Semper Fi Fund was doing great work. After careful research, the couple decided to grant $1 million to the organization, which was the start of a long-standing relationship.

We’ve seen how hope and simple human connections can change lives.

Semper Fi Fund is a veteran-serving organization which comes to the rescue, not in natural disasters like those of recent months, but in a national disaster felt every day—the disaster suffered by American military veterans who are committing suicide at the average rate of 20 per day.

Semper Fi Fund’s mission is to rebuild the lives of our nation’s most severely wounded and critically ill servicemen and women who suffer from the personal devastations and disasters of war. Initially founded as a Marine-focused organization, the Fund now assists active military and post-9/11 veterans from all branches of the military.

The beneficiaries of Semper Fi Fund’s support include single, double and triple amputees, men and women gripped with debilitating post-traumatic stress, those with severe traumatic brain injuries, and individuals blinded and burned. In many cases, their spouses or other caregivers have given up their own lives to find a ‘new normal,’ and their children have been impacted in ways we simply cannot quantify.

Rebuilding Lives After War

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, more than 2.7 million American men and women have deployed to various war zones across the globe. Many now face a life of physical and psychological disability due to their injuries sustained in these wars zones. As of 2015 (latest data available), at least 970,000 veterans had an officially recognized disability attributed to their service in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. And the true count of our fellow Americans injured, sickened and impacted by war may be considerably higher when we consider undiagnosed mental health struggles, substance abuse, and other challenges including reintegrating into society and joblessness.

Since 2004, Semper Fi Fund has been quietly helping many of these individuals rebuild their lives. It has offered some $156 million in assistance to severely wounded and critically ill servicemen and women, and their families, often filling the gaps where government, the military, or the Department of Veterans Affairs fall short. Help comes in many forms within the following areas:

Direct Financial Assistance as catastrophic injuries inevitably cause financial hardship;
Wellness Programs focused on post-traumatic growth, neurofeedback, healing through sport and other therapies;
Transition Programs to help veterans find meaning and purpose after life in the military through education and career assistance, apprenticeship training programs, and by reconnecting them with fellow veterans through military unit reunions.

Providing a Human Connection

While Semper Fi Fund’s programs have evolved as it continually adapts to veterans’ changing needs, a constant and common thread is the central importance of a human connection.

The Fund’s relationship with a service member begins at the hospital bedside, when a case manager initially connects with family members and works to assist with their immediate needs. Embedded in the philosophy of human connection, they know that having loved ones at the hospital for the first moment of regained consciousness makes a meaningful impact in the healing process.

After a veteran is released from the hospital, Semper Fi Fund continues to foster this human connection by strengthening its direct relationship with the service member. At times, Semper Fi Fund and its case managers serve as a literal lifeline along the journey of recovery and healing—not just physically, but emotionally and financially.

Unit reunions organized by Semper Fi Fund connect our warriors with a critical resource: each other. Credit: Semper Fi Fund.

The Fund’s approach is exemplified by the way it has supported Carlos, a Marine and combat engineer whose legs were severed in November 2010 when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) only 200 meters from his base. After just two months in Afghanistan, Carlos’ life was changed forever, as was his family’s. Semper Fi Fund responded immediately. The Fund first made sure that Carlos’ immediate family was at his bedside, to support him in his recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. After his release from the hospital, the Fund assisted Carlos with a grant to help purchase a new vehicle and adapt it to his use so that he could maintain his independence.

Semper Fi Fund also supports recovery for body, mind, and spirit through its Jinx McCain Horsemanship Program. Credit: Semper Fi Fund.

Today, the Fund continues to support Carlos and his wife, Jacki, who is also his caregiver. Jacki participates in Semper Fi Fund’s Caregiver Support Program which provides weekend retreats, access to psychiatrists who educate caregivers on PTSD, and, just as important, connections to other caregivers who become a much-needed support group.

The team at Semper Fi Fund understands that the needs of each veteran, like Carlos, are unique. Semper Fi Fund also recognizes that it is essential to help every veteran and his or her family forge strong connections through the programs and services it offers, whether they are connections to family, to peers, or to the community. The Fund’s approach is guided by these principles.

Staying Rooted. Semper Fi Fund started out as the small, grassroots idea of a few Marine wives, including the organization’s current president and executive director, Karen Guenther. At that time, Guenther was a pediatric intensive care nurse and Marine wife and was keenly aware of the suffering felt by families at the military base around her. She and a few friends decided to take up donations to help Marine families in need. Thirteen years later, Semper Fi Fund is a $30 million annual operation and still leads with the same heart and grassroots approach that got them started. There are no fancy offices, no inflated salaries, no grand galas, and — perhaps most important to those they serve — no red tape. Semper Fi Fund moves swiftly to help a wounded service member and his or her family in a crisis.

Staying Relevant. Semper Fi Fund has a practice and priority of hiring military veterans and their spouses, particularly for its front-line staff. The case managers who work directly with the injured are spouses of active military or veterans, and most of them were long-time volunteers for the organization before they were ever offered a paycheck. Having already walked a mile in those boots gives the Semper Fi Fund staff a unique insight into the needs and challenges of those they serve.

Staying Connected. Semper Fi Fund has pledged a lifetime of support to injured veterans. They don’t view their assistance as transactional; they view their human connection as transformative. A service member or veteran may have multiple needs over a span of many years. The Fund has pledged to be there. They believe that, for as much as our heroes have sacrificed, they deserve the best care and support available in their hour of need.

Carlos will tell you that his recovery hasn’t been easy, but he is forging ahead and he has a plan. Inspired by the support of Semper Fi Fund and others who have helped him, he plans to do the same. He is currently enrolled in school with a goal to attain his master’s degree in social work.

Carlos served our country. Now he wants to serve others in need, in his own way, through human connection.

At The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation we recognize that the challenges faced by each individual may be complicated and that the world’s social issues are indeed vast; but through it all, the one thing we do remains simple. We deal in hope. Through the work of Semper Fi Fund, we’ve seen hope and human connection change lives. We invite you to make a human connection of your own.

Bob & Renee Parsons Double Down for Veterans with $10 Million Challenge.

Semper Fi Fund has announced that for the sixth year in a row, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has issued its Double Down for Veterans match campaign. Through December 31, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will match all donations, up to $10 million.

Bob Parsons, U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and founder of YAM Worldwide, PXG and GoDaddy, issued the challenge via video address in his annual Marine Corps birthday salute, where he also paid special tribute to the 35th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which is dedicated to the 2.7 million service members, both men and women, who served in the Vietnam War.

“Vietnam veterans were the only troops who fought for our country and were never welcomed home. Instead of ticker tape parades and large marching bands, many Vietnam Vets, upon returning home, were met by anti-war protestors who chastised them for their part in the Vietnam War. To recognize and remember our Vietnam Vets, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was built entirely with private donations and dedicated 35 years ago on Veterans Day,” said American entrepreneur, philanthropist and Vietnam veteran Bob Parsons. “The Wall contains over 58,000 names of men and women who lost their lives in The Vietnam War. And so it is, the more than 58,000 memorialized by The Wall are there for eternity, whispering to all who served in the Vietnam War what America couldn’t bring itself to say, ‘Welcome Home.’”

Continued Parsons, “I challenge everyone to join Renee and me in support of Semper Fi Fund to help create a better world for today’s veterans by providing the resources they need to return home and rebuild their lives.”

Recognized by Charity Watch and Charity Navigator as one of the nation’s highest rated charities, Semper Fi Fund provides support to post-9/11 combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. In addition to immediate financial assistance, the Fund provides a lifetime of services to ensure veterans have the resources they need during recovery and the transition back into their communities. Some of the many programs include:

• Adaptive housing and transportation
• PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury care and education
• Family and caregiver support
• Unit reunions
• Mentoring and apprenticeships
• Education and career transition assistance

“Our mission is based on a simple principle – be there to support our country’s heroes in their time of need,” said Semper Fi Fund President, Executive Director and Founder, Karen Guenther. “Thanks to the amazing support of Bob and Renee Parsons, we are able to extend critical resources to more veterans and deserving families than ever before.”

“It is vitally important that we continue to support the men and women who have made sacrifices in service to our country,” said businesswoman and philanthropist Renee Parsons. “Every dollar makes a difference, and the match campaign is a chance for donors to double their impact.”

Last year’s Double Down for Veterans Campaign raised more than $20 million and brought The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation’s cumulative support for Semper Fi Fund to more than $31 million. GoDaddy is again leading the charge with an initial $50,000 donation.

“We respect and support veterans, and their families, for their dedication and sacrifice,” said GoDaddy Chief Operating Officer, Scott Wagner, who is also executive sponsor for the company’s internal veterans’ employee resource group. “The commitment and mission-focused mindset of service members is a great match for the GoDaddy culture, and we have pledged to hire hundreds of veterans, and their spouses, throughout the next four years.”

Donations to the Double Down for Veterans campaign can be made at semperfifund.org/match. Follow the progress of the campaign and learn more about those benefitting from the work of the organization on Semper Fi Fund’s social channels: Facebook.com/semperfifund, twitter.com/semperfifund and instagram.com/semperfifund.