Wounded Warrior Project Honors Donors with Benefit for the Brave
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) recently hosted its first Benefit for the Brave™, a special event to recognize generous donors and supporters and how their contributions help fuel the nonprofit’s mission.
Held in Miami, the event raised over $150,000 to support wounded veterans and their families. Sponsored by National Debt Relief, this first Benefit for the Brave event allowed WWP to bring awareness to the issues facing this generation of America’s wounded warriors, while also honoring those in Miami who make WWP’s life-changing programs and services possible.
“The purpose of tonight’s event is to recognize our generous supporters and highlight how your contributions aid Wounded Warrior Project,” WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington told attendees of the event. “For that, we are eternally grateful and will continue to work diligently to see that your support continues for future generations.”
WWP presented two Impact Awards during the evening. The award celebrates outstanding individuals who are making a significant impact in the community by raising awareness and funds that directly support wounded warriors, their families, and caregivers.
The Plotkin Family Foundation received the first award due to their passion for service and long-lasting impact on the veteran community. Since 2012, they have given more than $500,000 to fuel WWP’s mission. The Plotkin Family Foundation has steadily grown in their commitment to those WWP serves, while spreading awareness in their community about the needs of warriors and why it’s important to continue supporting them.
Micky and Madeleine Arison, recipients of the second award, are also dedicated to serving others. Since establishing the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation in 1999, they have focused their support in many areas, including education, youth development, health care, and the care and support of America’s wounded, ill, and injured veterans – truly giving back to those who need it the most. They have given nearly $1.5 million in support of wounded warriors and their families.
The generosity of the Plotkin and Arison families and other donors helps WWP honor and empower warriors like Antoinette Wallace, who shared her story at the event.
“This was one of the most successful fundraising events I’ve had the pleasure of attending,” Antoinette said. “Many attendees thanked me personally after my speech. One donor informed me that they doubled their donation upon hearing my story and learning more about Wounded Warrior Project.”
Antoinette grew up in Staten Island, New York, and watched the 9/11 terrorist attacks alongside her classmates from their high school windows. The impact of that day led her to join the Army National Guard.
A deployment to Iraq, the trauma of combat, and subsequent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused Antoinette to isolate and face despair for years after she returned home. She eventually confided in her parents, and they helped her find the support she needed. This outreach led her to WWP, connecting her with life-changing programs and services.
Now, several years later, Antoinette was touched by the generosity and kindness of the supporters at Benefit for the Brave.
“I’m very humbled to have been in the same room with some of the most generous people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting,” Antoinette said. “I’d love to do it again, and I believe it had a great impact on Miami.”
WWP plans to host additional Benefit for the Brave events in various cities across the country in the coming years.
Learn more about how you can support WWP’s mission of honoring and empowering warriors and their families.
Contact: Trevor A. Fay, Public Relations Specialist, tfay@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.776.5691
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.
