Generosity on full display during Legacy Run kick-off event
In the first year of the Legacy Run fundraising for The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (VCF), Legion Family members’ generosity was on full display during the annual ride’s kickoff event.
More than $294,000 was donated during the Legacy Run’s opening ceremony at Tirey J. Ford American Legion Post 21 in Independence, Mo. That included $155,000 from the Department of Maryland’s Ninth Annual Gold Star Legacy Run – which has raised $765,000 over nine years – and another $114,000 from the Virginia Legacy Run. Of that total, $10,000 will be presented by Virginia posts prior to or at The American Legion national convention.
The Legacy Run has switched over its fundraising effort to the VCF, which feeds and houses children of military personnel and veterans facing urgent, unexpected hardships through Temporary Financial Assistance grants. These grants prevent eviction, keep the power on and fulfill basic needs to hold a family together through difficult times.
The VCF also covers rigorous training and accreditation costs for American Legion claims experts who provide free representation for veterans and families applying for disability benefits, survivor assistance, GI Bill opportunities and more.
In addition to hosting the kickoff, Post 21’s Legion Family also donated $10,000, as did Kenneth N. Dowden Wayne Post 64 in Indianapolis.
Announcing the total donated during the event, Legacy Run Chief Road Captain Mark Clark said, “This is why the American Legion Riders are the most dynamic force that The American Legion has ever had. There’s something magic about what we do.”
Department of Missouri Senior Vice Commander Jerome Goolsby was on hand at the event and took the time to praise the Legion Riders for their efforts in raising millions for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund on prior rides. But noting they’d accomplished their mission, he said they’re now focused on a critical area.
“I think that what you’re riding for now might be even more important,” Goolsby said. “As our national commander has said many times, you’re changing lives and saving lives, I think. Raising funds for the Veterans & Children Foundation is going to have more of an impact on that than anything you possibly could do.”
American Legion National Commander Daniel Seehafer stressed purpose and relevance while speaking to the Riders. He shared an interaction he had with a single mother during one of his stops this year. The woman told Seehafer that a Legion post program – Junior Shooting Sports – had changed both her life and her son’s life.
“It’s you, brothers and sisters. You are changing lives and saving lives,” Seehafer said. “I’m telling you. You are making a difference. And when we deal with this Veterans & Children Foundation, there isn’t any doubt about it. We are changing young people’s lives.
“What you are here for … don’t ever think that it’s not worth it. Talking about purpose and relevance, the good Lord brought you here today and on this ride for a reason. And all of us, together, we are going to change lives and save lives.”
Remember to follow the Legacy Run via the National American Legion Riders Facebook page, and on X and Instagram, using the hashtag #LegacyRun2024.
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