Semper Fi Fund’s 10 for 10 Challenge Raises $12MM in Less Than 2 Months to Help Injured Service Members.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, with Support from GoDaddy, Matches Donations Dollar-for-Dollar

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (January 13, 2014) – Semper Fi Fund today announced the results of the 10 for 10 Challenge, one of the largest matching campaigns in the history of veteran non-profits. Thanks to The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, GoDaddy, and thousands of supporters who gave to the Semper Fi Fund this holiday season, the challenge raised an unprecedented $12 million – $2 million more than the original goal.

The 10 for 10 Challenge was launched on November 1, 2014, with a goal to raise $10 million for wounded, critically ill and injured service members from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Donors, recognizing the significant opportunity to double the impact of their gifts, quickly rose to the occasion and Semper Fi Fund hit its target two weeks early.

Moved by the outpouring of support, Bob and Renee Parsons raised the stakes. The couple generously pledged an additional $1 million in matching funds – bringing their total commitment to the 10 for 10 Challenge to $6 million.

“It doesn’t matter whether someone is in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard or Marine Corps, the men and women who serve our country are very special people and they deserve our support,” said businessman and philanthropist Bob Parsons. “Everything I have ever accomplished is because of my service in the Marine Corps – and as long as I’ve got a dime, they’ve got a nickel.”

Over the past ten years, the Semper Fi Fund and its program America’s Fund have assisted over 13,000 veterans. The Fund provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to wounded, critically ill and injured service members, ensuring they have the resources needed during their recovery and transition back to civilian life.

The funds raised through the 10 for 10 Challenge will not only enable the organization to continue critical programs, it will also allow for the introduction of new efforts. The Semper Fi Fund looks to expand its programs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide prevention.

“What incredible generosity, and what an amazing way to celebrate the holiday season in our 10th anniversary year,” said Semper Fi Fund Founder and CEO Karen Guenther. “We can’t thank Bob and Renee Parsons enough, and we can’t thank all of our donors enough. It’s incredible that we’ve met such a monumental goal considering just ten years ago we had an idea and $500! This is the best holiday gift I could ever imagine!”

For more information visit www.SemperFiFund.org.

Semper Fi Fund Announces 10 for 10 Challenge to Raise $10MM in 2 Months to Help Injured Veterans.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, with Support from GoDaddy, Will Match Donations Dollar-for-Dollar to Semper Fi Fund

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Nov. 3, 2014) – This November, the Semper Fi Fund rounds out its 10th anniversary year with the 10 for 10 Challenge – a matching campaign with the potential to raise $10 million for wounded, critically ill and injured veterans. The challenge, issued by The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, with support from GoDaddy, is one of the largest matching campaigns in the history of veteran non-profits. Beginning today through December 31, 2014, all donations to the Semper Fi Fund and America’s Fund will be matched, dollar-for-dollar.

Over the past ten years, the Semper Fi Fund and its program America’s Fund have assisted nearly 13,000 veterans. The Fund provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to wounded, critically ill and injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, ensuring they have the resources needed during their recovery and transition back to civilian life.

The matching campaign represents an opportunity for donors to double the impact of their gifts to the veteran non-profit. GoDaddy customers who purchase products during this time can also elect to “Round Up for Charity” when checking out at GoDaddy. By selecting the Semper Fi Fund as the beneficiary, GoDaddy customers can effectively donate their spare change to the Challenge.

For GoDaddy Founder Bob Parsons, a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, giving back to the men and women who support our country has always been a top priority.

“The most important things I have ever learned I learned from the Marine Corps,” said Bob Parsons. “I learned there is very little we can accomplish alone. Through the ‘10 for 10 Challenge’ we have the opportunity to rally the community, raise awareness and provide much needed and deserved support to our wounded, injured and critically ill service members who have sacrificed so much to protect the freedoms we enjoy.”

“The matching challenge is a significant opportunity for all of us to step-up and strengthen our commitment to our country’s wounded veterans,” said Renee Parsons. “If you can’t give a lot, give a little; no amount is too small. Together we will make a difference.”

Both The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and GoDaddy, the world’s largest technology provider dedicated to small businesses, have a rich history of supporting our nation’s service men and women. The 10 for 10 Challenge will be the third consecutive holiday matching campaign the organizations have spearheaded on behalf of the Semper Fi Fund. Over the last two years the campaign has helped raise more than $8 million. This year, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, with support from GoDaddy, hopes to help raise $10 million by providing up to $5 million in matching funds for the veteran non-profit.

“We are deeply grateful to The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and GoDaddy for their ongoing support of our injured, ill, and wounded service members,” said Karen Guenther, CEO of the Semper Fi Fund. “They have made an amazing difference in the lives of so many families on their long journey to recovery. Their love, passion and dedication to helping our military members and families is a true inspiration to us all.”

To support our wounded, critically ill and injured veterans, visit the 10 for 10 Challenge dedicated donation page www.semperfifund.org/match or www.americasfund.org/match.

To find out more about The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation visit www.TBRPF.org.

To find out more about GoDaddy’s corporate and social responsibility history visit www.GoDaddyCares.com.

About Semper Fi Fund and America’s Fund
The Semper Fi Fund, and its program America’s Fund, are set up to provide immediate financial assistance and lifetime support for wounded, critically ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, directing urgently needed resources to post 9/11 service members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserves. Semper Fi Fund has supported injured, ill and wounded service members since 2004, offering assistance to lessen the burden for those who need it most. The Semper Fi Fund’s streamlined structure keeps overhead very low, 6%; they are also one of three veteran charities to receive an “A+” rating from The American Institute of Philanthropy, and a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator. The Semper Fi Fund has given more than $98 million to over 12,600 service members and their families.

For more information visit https://SemperFiFund.org/ and https://AmericasFund.org/.

Warrior Canine Connection Therapy Inspires Hope for Thousands of Injured Combat Veterans.

$850,000 Donation from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Helps Fund New Warrior Healing Quarters

Brookeville, MD (June 3, 2014) – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), a non-profit that utilizes clinically based canine therapy to bring hope and healing to thousands of wounded warriors, has been awarded an $850,000 grant by The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation. The grant will support the development of the Warrior Canine Connection Healing Quarters in Germantown, MD.

The new facility, which will serve as Warrior Canine Connection’s headquarters, will enable the organization to dramatically expand their nationally recognized Canine Connection Therapy program. The program was specifically designed to provide a safe, effective, non-pharmaceutical alternative therapy for combat trauma. The program addresses the ongoing needs of warriors with psychological wounds, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as those who require highly trained service dogs.

“As a former Navy Surgeon, I am all too aware of the high price that our combat Veterans have paid in recent conflicts,” said Dr. Robert Rosenbaum (LCDR, USN, Ret.), President of WCC’s Board of Directors. “As a neurosurgeon, I have personally witnessed both the challenges and critical need for promising treatment modalities like those provided by WCC. With the support of The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, I believe WCC’s impressive program will be able to successfully serve thousands more Veterans with debilitating injuries.”

“Our country’s wounded Veterans, who have sacrificed so very much to protect the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, deserve not only our respect, but also our support,” said entrepreneur, philanthropist and Marine Corps Veteran Bob Parsons. “By rallying together to create a home for critical therapies such as the Canine Connection program, I believe we can really make a difference in the long-term health and well-being of our injured service men and women.”

Through a one of a kind apprentice-in-residence program, WCC enlists service members who are currently battling the effects of combat stress in the critical mission of training service dogs for fellow wounded warriors. Over the course of two years, more than 60 warriors can experience relief from their psychological wounds through participation in the training of a single dog.

“It’s almost impossible to put into words how very important working with these dogs has been to me,” said one program participant. “Training these dogs has helped me rebuild my confidence level and feel like I am functioning as an effective member of the Army and of society.”

A portion of the Foundation’s award has been earmarked as a challenge grant whereby the Foundation will match all donations, dollar for dollar, up to $300,000 to support the construction and operation of the new Center.

“With this amazing new facility and location, we will be able to reach out to an underserved Veteran population while remaining in close proximity to our existing programs in the National Capital Region,” said Rick Yount, Warrior Canine Connection founder and executive director. “The 80 acre property will act as a new ‘Healing Quarters’ for wounded warriors, their families and medical caregivers.”

Champion Golfer Cristie Kerr Tees Off Support for Semper Fi Fund with The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

GoDaddy Founder’s Charitable Foundation to Match Kerr’s LPGA Tour Winnings

PHOENIX, AZ (March 20, 2014) – When Cristie Kerr tees off today at the JTBC Founders Cup, she’ll be competing for much more than a trophy. Semper Fi Fund is thrilled to announce that The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will match 100 percent of Kerr’s 2014 LPGA Tour winnings, dollar-for-dollar, as a donation to help injured and critically ill service members and their families. What’s more, Kerr will also be sporting the Semper Fi Fund logo on her bag throughout the 2014 season, raising awareness for the vital services Semper Fi Fund provides.

This initiative is one of many ways The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation gives back to service members. Recently, the Foundation funded the establishment of The Bob Parsons Veterans Center at the University of Baltimore; and, with contributions totaling over $5.3 million to date, their support of the Semper Fi Fund has helped countless men and women.

Kerr has throughout her career been an ardent supporter of various charitable efforts. Introduced to the Semper Fi Fund by Bob Parsons in 2013, Kerr, the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, was eager to get involved having learned about the life-changing work Semper Fi Fund is doing to help injured and critically ill veterans and their families.

“We’re incredibly thankful to The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and Cristie Kerr for their support,” said Karen Guenther, Semper Fi Fund founder and CEO. “We are strong believers in the idea of ‘recovery through sport’ – so what a fitting way to raise funds and support for our service members in need.”

“I have been blessed that my career as a professional golfer has now given me the opportunity to give back to two causes that are very close to my heart,” said LPGA star Cristie Kerr. “I started Birdies for Breast Cancer in 2003 after my mother was diagnosed with the disease to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer research and treatment. Ten years later, The Semper Fi Fund has given me the opportunity to help raise financial aid for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and in so doing, allow me to pay tribute to my father for his service to this country. I applaud the Semper Fi Fund and The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation for the work they have done around the country and specifically here the Phoenix area, my home.”

“Our veterans, from each and every branch of our military, deserve to come home to a support system that reflects how much we appreciate and respect the sacrifice they have made for our country,” said Bob Parsons. “Through our partnership with Cristie I believe we will be able to help raise critical awareness and support for the great work Semper Fi Fund is doing each and every day for our country’s wounded warriors.”

“Bob and Renee continue to amaze us with their generosity, matched only by the size of their hearts,” Guenther continued. “And we are thrilled that they introduced us to Cristie, a gifted golfer, excellent partner and wonderful person. We will be watching and cheering her on to show our support!”

To watch Kerr play in support of Semper Fi Fund this year visit www.CristieKerrGolf.com/Eventsfor the 2014 LPGA Tour schedule.

For more information visit https://SemperFiFund.org/.