Triathlons, marathons, golf tournaments, cycling, road trips and formal balls—these are some of the events put on by non-profit organizations to provide aid to the families of injured and deceased soliders. I recently stumbled upon a Firstgiving page created by the Semper Fi Fund and was impressed and inspired by their ability to raise awareness and funds. In 2006, eight Marines ran the Shakespeare Marathon in Stratford, England and surpassed their original goal of $10,000 by $31,261.13! The inflow of donations was swift as they raised over $40k in just a little over two months—a tremendous success that resulted from continuously “raising the bar.” Another Firstgiving fundraiser, Rey Roy has been riding across the country to raise funds for those who have served to make our country a safer place. Donations help the Intrepid Fund provide world-class medical care and rehabilitation to severely wounded veterans and support for the families of those who don’t make it home. He has raised over $35,000 online in less than a month! One donor actually donated $25,000 to support him! As Independence Day, the 33rd Annual Marine Corps Marathon and other events dedicated to support these organizations approaches I’d like to encourage and promote those who are participating—both the participants and contributors.

There are several non-profit organizations that concentrate in helping families of Marines who are overwhelmedand burdened financially, physically and emotionally. The Semper Fi Fund caters to this because they believe in helping those who are injured in the line of duty or face life threatening illness while protecting our nation. Semper Fi means “Always Faithful” and people have been quite faithful and generous in donations. Bill Cook, son of a former marine, also believes in this cause as he is currently raising funds and training to compete in the Badwater 135 Ultra-Marathon in Death Valley, California on July 14th 2008 — also known as “The world’s toughest foot race.” This is in honor of his father, a former U.S marine.

Other non-profits, like Special Operations Warrior Foundation specifically concentrate in honoring the legacy of a fallen solider by cultivating the minds of their children through higher education. They do this by offering college scholarships, grants, financial aid and educational counseling. Through firstgiving SOWF fundraisers have raised $22,229.86

Perhaps in honor of this patriotic month, especially with 4th of July just around the corner, I’d encourage reallocating just a few dollars from your fireworks budget towards one of these causes. If fireworks are illegal in your home state, perhaps add meaning to your celebration of independence by donating to those who devoted their lives to preserve our freedom.