Support disabled veterans, win incentives

This week donations to The American Legion 100 Miles for Hope will be doubled, thanks to a new supporter.

“Our generous friends at Exosome Diagnostics have pledged to match any gift you give in the next 100 hours, up to $10,000,” American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard announced this week. “This special challenge will directly support The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation — a lifeline for disabled veterans and families who are in need of our support.”

This special challenge ends Friday, July 1.

In addition to doubling up donations this week, these gifts will also count toward various incentives that fundraisers can receive. For example, each month the top fundraiser will receive merchandise autographed by INDYCAR drivers Tony Kanaan, Jimmie Johnson and/or Alex Palou. At the conclusion of the 100 Miles for Hope campaign, Sept. 5, the overall fundraising champion will receive the top incentive — four tickets to the INDYCAR race of their choice during the 2023 season. Learn more about the details of this incentive program on this page.

Along their fundraising journey, participants will also be eligible to receive rewards for achieving three different tier levels. More information on those incentives is available here.

All funds raised through 100 Miles for Hope registration fees (register here) and donations go to The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation. In turn, those dollars fund programs that provide services that help disabled veterans receive free assistance in getting their earned VA benefits, as well as creating grants for military families who have fallen on hard times.

Need help getting started with fundraising? Here are tips from some fundraising champions:

• Spread the message. Chris Yates, a member of Alvin Myo Dunn Post 365 in Vista, Calif., has won two of the monthly challenges. Among his tips is to reach out beyond the Legion. At first, Yates wasn’t comfortable bringing it up in the workplace, but a business associate said, “You need to let us know, we'll decide whether we have the resources to contribute or not." Yates provided the information about 100 Miles for Hope and his friend donated $250.

Yates also recommends sharing the story on social media, Legiontown and elsewhere. “Share the story of the power behind having a foundation that helps disabled veterans and their families. As a society, how can you not be behind that?”

• Reassure potential donors. Karen Schoch, who lives in Henniker, N.H., is honoring her father, who served in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. She says that some people may believe only big-ticket donors make a difference but that is not true. “Everybody wants to know they made a difference in this world. If they can only give $5, let them know that’s OK because every amount helps. They are still supporting our veterans the best way they can.”

• Embrace another challenge. Sons of The American Legion National Commander Michael Fox issued a challenge to Sons: raise $10,000 for the campaign. “You can support a friend, family member, or department and/or detachment,” he says. “Not everyone is able to participate in the physical aspect of the challenge. However, everyone can contribute to my $10,000 challenge by making a kind donation here. This challenge ends on Labor Day, so there is plenty of time to show the American Legion Family what the SAL is capable of.

For more about the challenge, its special incentives, fundraising tips and more, visit legion.org/100miles.