Sean Kelly

WHY I GIVE

Sean Kelly

In 2015 I began giving to and spreading the word about The Fund to honor my Dad’s service as a Marine in WWII (Iwo Jima), Korea and Vietnam, as well as my Mom’s service as a Marine Wife and Marine Mom. It started in conjunction with The Fund’s annual Marine Corps Marathon fundraising event. Each year as part of that effort, during the event I carry a $5 bill that my Dad had in his back pocket for the entire Battle of Iwo Jima and a Cameo pin that my Mom wore whenever I was deployed as a Marine. I also formed a team of fundraisers whose Dad’s had also served in the Pacific in WWII called “Sons of Pacific Heroes”. I initially picked The Fund because of the organization’s dedication to providing support for the needs of combat injured veterans and their families of all services – filling in real-time gaps of current government provided support. I was also impressed with The Fund’s ability to maximize the amount of funds that go directly to meeting the needs of the veterans they support.

I continue to support The Fund to honor my Dad’s and Mom’s service. But over the years I have learned more about The Fund’s roots, gotten to know the people at The Fund and even had a chance to work directly with some of the veterans supported. This has only increased my support and enthusiasm for The Fund. So, I continue to look for every opportunity to tell The Fund’s story and how it serves veterans and their families. And finally, I just don’t want to let down the incredible people at The Fund doing this important work!

Since I started in 2015 I have personally raised $186,000 and led the Sons of Pacific Heroes Team that has raised $263,000 for The Fund!