Guest Author - Sarah Fierro

Military support groups are hosting many fundraisers in the upcoming months. The Marine Corps Ball and other fall military events are pushing for more support and funds. Check out these fundraisers happening across the United States to see what might be coming to your town!

In October, cyclists will start in Mesa, Arizona, and ride 430 miles to Oceanside, California. The cyclists include 20 riders who are both civilian and military members. Some are active duty, former military, retired, Marine Iron Man team members, or part of the Injured Marines Detachment. John Greenway put together the ride and enlisted the sponsorship of DNA Cycles. The ride has been called “Ride for Semper Fi,” and will raise money and awareness in support of injured military members. See the links section below for the website and more information.

The 3rd Annual Golf Outing fundraiser will be held by the Marine Corps League Department of Illinois on August 7. It takes place at the Chalet Hills Golf Club in Cary, Illinois. Participants pay a donation to play and can sponsor tee boxes or golf carts as well as goodie bag items for the game. They can also choose to sponsor a Marine for an extra donation. Non-golfers can still participate by having dinner at the buffet-style event. The money and awareness gained by the game goes to The Heart of a Marine Foundation. This group was founded to show support military members from any branch of the Armed Forces. The Illinois Marine website is linked in the section below.

An organization called Special Kindness in Packages, Inc. is hosting a bowling party for troop supporters. The party will take place August 7th at the Timber Lanes in Abington, Massachusetts. Bowlers pay $10 for two hours of bowling, from 5 to 7 o’clock at night. The low cost covers unlimited bowling, shoes, pizza, and drinks. Email Tracy at tracy@specialkindness.org for more information or to reserve your space.

Dick’s Last Resort in Chicago, Illinois will host the second annual Help our Heroes with the Heart of a Marine fundraiser. From 6 to 9 o’clock pm on August 14, The Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Chicago will host the event to raise money for the Heart of a Marine Foundation. The ticket price is $30 per person and covers three hours of food as well as draft beer. Corporate sponsors can also donate money and be featured on the event booklets and t-shirts. Visit the Chicago Marines link in the section below to purchase tickets or be an event sponsor.