Join us in supporting ReserveAid, the 2013 Patriot Half's Offical Charitable Partner
A Story from the Race Director
Sometimes, things just happen for a reason....
As it can happen in a race, the 2011 Patriot Half had a few athletes that got injured in their effort to swim, bike and run 70.3 miles to the finish. One athlete whose day unfortunately came to a premature end was Jessica Withrow. Jessica crashed on the bike and was brought to a local hospital for treatment. Thankfully, her injuries weren't too serious and she was released later in the day to her husband, John, who, by the way, also raced in the Patriot and needed medical attention of his own after crossing the finish line (it was a tough day for the Withrows!).
I called Jessica a couple days later to check in on her and spoke to John. Jessica was still recovering, but was in good spirits. In the course of that conversation John mentioned that he, Jessica and some friends had driven up from New Jersey to race the Patriot as part of their training for Ironman Louisville. The friends' commitment to race Ironman Louisville was part of an effort to raise funds for ReserveAid, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for US military reservists in need of financial support. John is a member of the Reserve Aid Board of Directors.
With a race named the "Patriot" the idea to work with ReserveAid to provide assistance to reservists made all the sense in the world and with that our partnership was born. We are proud to introduce ReserveAid as the official charity partner for the 2012 Patriot Half. As part of that partnership we will be donating $25 of every Patriot Half entry we receive on Veteran's Day, Sunday, November 11, 2012 to ReserveAid (up to the first 80 entries). Charity slots for the 2013 Patriot Half will also be made available.
Thank in advance for your support.
Mark Walter
USAT Certified Race Director
Sun Multisport Events
What is ReserveAid?
ReserveAid is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization that makes need based grants to military families who have a Reservist or National Guard member on full time deployment or who has recently returned from deployment to a combat zone or homeland security position.
About their Needs
ReserveAid is currently assisting families of Reservists and National Guard members at the rate of approximately $65,000 per month – and the need that exists is far greater. The assistance needed by our heroes far exceeds what ReserveAid is able to provide.
Requests often include:
- Rent/mortgage payment
- Assistance with utility bills (power, heat)
- Car payment
- Car insurance
- Wal-Mart gift card for food & fuel
Reserve Aid does not assist with credit card payments or cable TV.
ReserveAid's Approach
ReserveAid works closely with the Veterans Administrations and representatives from the military services to help identify reservists who may be in need. ReserveAid helps members of all branches of the military.
ReserveAid does not make loans. Our objective is to meet every valid emergency financial need of service members and their dependents within 48 hours of grant approval.
Visit the ReserveAid website to learn more.
