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Newman's Own Awards 5 Groups $200K to Help Service Members, Vets, Families

  • Published
  • By Jim Garamone
  • DoD News, Defense Media Activity

The Newman's Own Foundation awarded $200,000 to five organizations serving service members, veterans and their families during ceremonies at the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes today.

Navy Vice Adm. Kevin D. Scott, the Joint Staff's director of joint force development, thanked Newman's Own and the five organizations for their dedication and their passion to help others. Also participating in the ceremony were the Fisher House Foundation and the Military Times news organization.

"Your continuing efforts are critical in supporting our men and women in uniform, past and present, and their families," Scott said. "As you know, our men and women in uniform have been running pretty hard -- and in some cases have been sprinting -- in so many places around the globe. On land, at sea and in the air, they are standing the watch."

Scott said he was first motivated to join the service to serve something greater than himself, and that he has worked with thousands of other Americans who felt the same calling. He thanked the groups who received the awards for their drive and their need to help others.

Personal Experience

At one of the lowest points in his life, the admiral said – when his newborn son had to be placed in a neonatal intensive care unit – he realized what a comfort it was to have groups like these who care about service members, veterans and their families.

"That is just an example of what you all represent here: the lives that you touch to their cores, the spirit that you have that is infectious," he said. "I can only tell you from my personal experience how valuable that is to anyone in need.

"No matter where you are or what you are doing, it is that spirit that gives me confidence in this country," he continued. "I want to speak on behalf of those who can't speak on how much we appreciate that -- how many lives you've changed, how many lives touched, and how grateful we all are for your support and dedication."

Donation Recipients

Camp Sunshine at Sebago Lake in Casco, Maine, received $50,000 for its military family sponsorship program.

Dog Tag Inc. Fellowship in the nation's capital received $37,500 for its program to empower transitioning service-disabled veterans, military spouses and caregivers.

The Foundation for Women Warriors Childcare Assistance program in Los Angeles received $37,500. The program allows veteran moms to maintain employment or pursue educational goals.

The Hampton Roads Community Development Initiative in Virginia received $37,500 for the Armed Service Arts Partnership, which aims to help veterans transition into their communities through the arts.

Finally, the Boot Campaign's ReBOOT program received $37,500 to fund world-class physical and mental wellness programs for traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, addiction and insomnia.

More than 250 Nominations

Five judges combed through more than 250 submissions to choose the award recipients: Ellyn Dunford, Tammy Fisher. Lynne Pace, Suzie Schwartz, Ricki Selva and Newman's Own executive Jeff Smith.

This is the 18th year that Newman's Own has awarded money to organizations specifically aimed at encouraging innovation in programs designed to improve life for service members, veterans and their families.

Newman's Own gives away 100 percent of after-tax profits to educational and charitable organizations. This summer, over the foundation surpassed $500 million in contributions.

(Follow Jim Garamone on Twitter: @GaramoneDoDNews)

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Navy Vice Adm. Kevin D. Scott, the Joint Staff's director of joint force development, congratulates the recipients chosen to share a $200,000 donation from the Newman's Own Foundation during a ceremony in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes, Oct. 11, 2017. The recipients were chosen for their innovative programs to serve service members, veterans and their families. DoD photo by Jim Garamone