In the fight against veteran suicide, our organization has discovered an extraordinary heartbeat: our monthly Facebook Challengers. Since June of 2020, when our first challenge launched, these events have become one of the cornerstones of our fundraising efforts, bringing together compassionate individuals committed to making a difference.
Each month, thousands of dedicated supporters take on various challenges from completing 100 miles of running in 30 days to walking their dogs, rucking, golfing, gaming, and more. These remarkable supporters stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our mission to end veteran suicide.
The numbers tell an inspiring story: since launching these challenges, over 90,000 fundraisers - yes, 90,000 - have joined our cause, raising critical funds, increasing awareness, and becoming advocates for our mission.
May's 50 mile ruck challenge exemplified this spirit of community in action. We had both ruck challenges and golf challenges that encompassed more than 7,500 participants! Many supporters shouldered their packs and put in the miles. Others picked up their clubs and hit the green. Regardless of which challenge they tackled they created a powerful wave of awareness for our organization and our vital mission to prevent suicide within the military community.
Beyond raising awareness, these dedicated participants raised funds that directly support our core service: providing free, confidential, suicide specific care to veterans and active service members who need it most.
Our team draws much inspiration from the pictures and posts we see across social media while our challenger community is putting in their meaningful miles on our behalf. We know that for so many in our community, the challenge is deeply personal and participating is often part of someone’s healing journey. We hold that reality with honor.
There were some recent challengers who garnered the attention of the media and were able to share their story in a more broad way. Their stories are an invitation to understand the issue of veteran’s mental health and suicide in a deeply personal way. They also demonstrate the connection that comes from standing shoulder to shoulder with us and the groundswell movement to end the suicide crisis within the military.
Grosse Pointe News: Running to Save LivesWe love how this group of first responders are creating a community movement around running meaningful miles! < Read More >
Chicago Father & Son Team Up to Stop Soldier Suicide: Ryan Brown, a Marine Veteran and his son Canon, who is planning to enlist, played 72 holes of golf - in one day - in an effort to raise critical awareness, funds, and visibility. < Watch their Story >
PIX 11: New York Veteran Rucks 50 Miles in 1 Day to Spread Awareness: We first met Pablo thanks to how he shared about his Ruck Challenge on YouTube and also spoke really transparently about his experiences as a veteran. Cheering him on as he rucked 50 miles in one day, from Central Park to West Point, was such a thrill for our team! < Watch His Story >
Aaron Wenzel: Rucking 4 Dad: One of our favorite parts of this story is how Aaron never rucked alone. “No mile alone” seems like a guiding principle for how we should all walk together, in solidarity and support, no matter the ups and downs that come with life. <Watch His Story>
Through the power of community challenges, we're not just raising money we're building a movement of hope for those who have served our nation. Want to join in on the fun? We hope you will. Join our upcoming challenges and join our mission.