Bob Barker donates $2 million to injured Marines
By Cpl. Scott Schmidt
Life for injured Marines is unquestionably difficult, but those Marines and their families struggling with recovery now have something to look forward to.
Television personality Bob Barker donated $2 million to the Semper Fi Fund, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to post 9-11 Marines and sailors, March 9.
For the fund, the price really was right.
Semper Fi Fund’s president and founder Karen Guenther expressed a deep gratitude for Barker’s donation; it may very well have saved the solvency of the fund.
“Bob Barker’s generous gift is coming at a critical time when our donations are down, due in part to the economy and donor fatigue as the war continues into its ninth year,” Guenther said.
Though the drawdown in Iraq is coming to a close and is just beginning in Afghanistan, we must not forget the necessary assistance our wounded warriors require. When the war ends, a new battle begins for those Marines returning with injuries.
“What hasn’t changed is the significant needs of our injured and ill young service members and their families,” said Guenther. “We are committed to making sure they are not alone or forgotten in their recovery.”
Regardless of your views on war, supporting our fellow Americans and service members is a cause every American can support and one Barker, a WWII fighter pilot, urges us too.
In a released statement, Barker said he hopes his donation will inspire others to give more and “commit to making sure that not one young Marine, Sailor, airman and soldier or their family members are in need during their long-term recoveries.”
The fund’s own staggering account of those it has helped shows a great need for Barker’s generosity. Since its founding in 2004, the Semper Fi Fund has awarded more than 26,000 financial grants totaling more than $46 million.
Yes, $2 million is only about five percent of $46 million, but that is still a staggering number. Mr. Barker’s donation will help more than a thousand wounded and critically ill Marines, Sailors, soldiers and their families. Wow!
I’m not sure I could think of anything better to spend that amount of money on, so to you Mr. Barker, Semper Fidelis.
Related Resources:
MGySgt Jonathan White's Semper Fi Fund page
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