Newman's Own Awards Donates to Five Military Non-Profits

Newman's Own joined co-sponsors Fisher House Foundation and Military Times at the 17th annual Newman's Own Awards Ceremony at the Pentagon Hall of Heroes to honor five non-profit organizations for their innovative programs created to improve military quality of life.

The annual competition seeks to reward ingenuity for programs that benefit service men and women and their families. As the event commenced, General Joseph Dunford, 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced the recipients of the awards, totaling $200,000. He was joined in presenting the awards by Jeffrey Smith, Vice President of Operations of Newman's Own, Inc.; David Coker, President of Fisher House Foundation; and Tony Lombardo, Executive Editor of Military Times. The five winning organizations include Give an Hour, FITSI Foundation, Dryhootch of America, Inc., Military Spouse JD Network Foundation and Project MEND.

Give an Hour received the highest honor, and a $50,000 award. Located in Bethesda, MD, Give an Hour, founded in 2005, has created a network of mental health professionals, who donate their time to meet the mental health needs of service members and families affected by the post-9/11 conflicts. To date, they have provided more than 200,000 hours of care and support to those in need. 

"We are proud to support the organizations that help improve the quality of life of our military members," said Mike McGrath, Chief Executive Officer of Newman's Own, Inc. "Service members, veterans and their families often face unique obstacles as a result of their dedication to serving our nation, and we are committed to giving back to show our appreciation and gratitude."

To date, the annual competition has recognized 169 programs with awards totaling $1,525,000.

As a long-time supporter of military non-profits, Newman's Own carries on the legacy of Paul Newman, founder of Newman's Own, who wanted to help make a difference in the lives of others. Paul, a Navy Veteran, served in the Pacific during World War II.  Over the years, Newman's Own Awards has provided funding for organizations across the country, which have addressed veterans' issues such as mental and physical health, housing, education, career development, entrepreneurship, family support.

Over 200 entries were submitted for the 2016 program.  Six judges evaluated each entry based on the organization's impact to the respective communities, creativity and innovation.

$50,000 AWARD

Mental Health Counseling—Give an Hour, Bethesda, MD

Give an Hour was founded in September 2005 by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, a psychologist in the Washington, D.C., area, and has been instrumental in the development of the community-based approach to addressing the challenges that face our nation's military community, having created a successful model for harnessing skill-based volunteers eager to offer their services. Thus far, the network of nearly 7,000 licensed mental health professionals has provided more than 200,000 hours of care and support to those in need. For more information, contact David Sklar ([email protected]) or visit www.giveanhour.org. 

$37,500 AWARD

Wounded Warrior Cyber Combat Academy—FITSI Foundation, Alexandria, VA

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Cyber Combat Academy (W2CCA) is "To Build the Next Generation of Cyber Defenders by Cross-Training the League of Wounded Warriors to help Protect and Defend the Nation's Information Systems."  The FITSI Foundation oversees the W2CCA to arm our wounded warriors with technical skills that supplement their existing dedication, patience, and devotion to duty, thereby strengthening national cyber defenses. For more information, contact Jim Wiggins ([email protected]) or visit www.w2cca.org.

Dryhootch Peer Support Program—Dryhootch of America, Inc., Milwaukee, WI

Dryhootch is a non-profit organization, founded in 2008 by a Vietnam veteran who envisioned becoming a home-front battle buddy to the new generation of veterans, which materialized into a successful Peer Support Program, and is the cornerstone of Dryhootch. The Dryhootch Peer Support Program provides veterans and their families with opportunities to build camaraderie through individual and group peer support activities. Veterans and their families participate in social activities such as: outdoor and sporting events, family bonding days, holistic wellness activities, community days of service, and community reintegration events with other veterans and families who have walked in the same shoes. Through these experiences veterans are empowered as they confront common struggles related to reintegration such as: Post Traumatic Stress, Moral Injury, addiction, homelessness, unemployment, legal and financial concerns, and family relationship issues. For more information, contact Leah Lockett ([email protected]) or visit www.dryhootch.org.

Military Spouse JD Network Foundation—Military Spouse JD Network Foundation, Alexandria, VA

The Military Spouse JD Network is an international network that supports military spouses in the legal profession by advocating for licensing accommodations; educating the public about the challenges facing career-minded military spouses and their families; encouraging the hiring of military spouses; and providing a network connecting military spouse attorneys with each other and their supporters. The charitable arm of the organization is the Military Spouse JD Network Foundation. The Foundation supports the licensing initiative that has led to accommodations for military spouse attorneys in 21 jurisdictions. The Foundation also is home to Justice for Military Families, a pro bono program providing legal assistance to Gold Star families through a partnership with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. For more information, contact Eleanor Vuono ([email protected]) or visit www.msjdn.org.

Medical Equipment Reuse/AT for Veterans—Project MEND, San Antonio, TX

Project MEND is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals living with disabilities and illness through the reuse and distribution of medical equipment and other assistive technology.  Texas has over 3.4 million people living with disabilities; the right equipment at the right time empowers them to be mobile, independent and experience improved quality of life. Our Veteran Program provides any person discharged from the armed forces, and their family members, with medical equipment and other assistive technologies medically necessary to enhance independence, self-sufficiency and mobility.  A services connected disability is not required nor is a disability rating issued by the VA.   For more information, contact Denise Bennett ([email protected]) or visit www.projectmend.org.