Newsletters

It’s hard to believe we are already in the midst of another school year. The summer was a busy season for The Folded Flag Foundation. We awarded scholarships for the 2022-23 school year – more than $3.3 million was awarded to 754 recipients; we hosted our annual Food, Wine and Arts Festival at Rock Creek Cattle Company; and held our annual Salute to Service Gala where we raised more than $1.4 million to support Gold Star families! You can read more about these events below.

During The Folded Flag Foundation’s past eight years in operation, we’ve had the honor of helping hundreds of Gold Star families from across the nation obtain needed funding to obtain their educational dreams. Without the generosity of our donors and corporate sponsors, none of this would be possible.

If you are interested in contributing to Folded Flag’s mission, consider making a donation by visiting our website at FoldedFlagFoundation.org. Because of our underwriting sponsors, Black Knight, Inc., Fidelity National Financial, FIS and ServiceLink, 100% of your donation goes directly to these families and is completely tax-refundable to the full extent of the law.

Thank you for your continuous partnership and support.

Kim Frank, President, The Folded Flag Foundation

FOLDED FLAG RAISES MORE THAN $1.4 MILLION DURING SALUTE TO SERVICE GALA

The Folded Flag Foundation raised more than $1.4 million – the largest amount to date – at this year’s Salute to Service Gala, which took place on Sept. 8 at The Pierre Hotel in New York City. The event recognized the nation’s fallen heroes and the family members they have left behind. All proceeds from the event directly benefited Gold Star spouses and children.

Craig Barber, CEO of O’Charley’s, LLC; 99 Restaurants, LLC; and Restaurant Growth Services, LLC, served as the gala’s emcee. Retired U.S. Army Gen. Paul Kern, who served as the commanding general of the Army Material Command for 38 years, was this year’s gala keynote speaker. Barber and Kern also serve on the board of trustees for The Folded Flag Foundation.

The evening also featured special performances by the NYPD Emerald Society and retired Detective James J. Wheeler; presentation by Gold Star spouse Tricia English; recognition of Retired Major James Capers, the highest decorated African American Marine; and silent and live auctions.

We would like to thank our presenting sponsors – The Frank Martire Family and Bridgeport Partners, and all of our sponsors for helping to make this a wonderful event.

O’CHARLEY’S LAUNCHES ANNUAL “GIVE $5, GET $5” FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT FOLDED FLAG

O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar is a proud supporter of The Folded Flag Foundation. Now through Veterans’ Day (November 11), each guest who donates $5 on their dine-in check will receive a $5 voucher toward a future in-store purchase. Guests who donate $5 online will get $5 off their order. All proceeds go to Folded Flag which is structured as a Foundation with 100% of donations going to beneficiaries and no administrative costs.

To learn more or to find a location near you, visit O’Charley’s website here.

APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GOLD STAR RACE PROGRAM

All Gold Stars are invited to apply to participate in the Cowtown Half Marathon Gold Star Race Program in Fort Worth, Texas. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 14, 2022, where ten athletes will be selected to join the cohort.

Selected participants will receive:

  • Complimentary airfare and lodging for race weekend – February 23-27, 2023
  • 15 weeks of official training from a certified run coach
  • Running shoes, gear, and personalized race shirts featuring the name of his or her military hero
  • A powerful tribute display on the racecourse

Participants are selected based on their desire to heal and thrive in the aftermath of losing a loved one in military service. It is not necessary to be a runner to apply for this program. Must be 18 years or older to apply. Winners will be announced the last weekend in October

Click here to learn more or to apply.

$375,000 RAISED AT ROCK CREEK CATTLE COMPANY’S FOOD, WINE AND ARTS FESTIVAL

Rock Creek Cattle Company hosted its annual Food, Wine and Arts Festival on Aug. 25 – 27 at its facilities in Deer Lodge, Montana. During the three-day private event, guests were invited to view local art, bid on auction items, and participate in wine and food tastings. This year’s event also featured a special “Rapid Fire” event with former Vegas Golden Knights Defenseman Deryk Engelland.

We are excited to announce $375,000 was raised at this year’s event – all to benefit our Gold Star families. Folded Flag would like to thank Rock Creek Cattle Company, Foley Family Wines, the artists, and the wonderful guests who contributed to this year’s event.

Did you know that when you make a purchase through AmazonSmile, .5% of your purchase price will go to the charitable organization of your choice? There is NO extra charge to you. AmazonSmile offers all of the same products, pricing and shopping features as Amazon.

Consider making your Amazon purchases through AmazonSmile, and by selecting The Folded Flag Foundation as your nonprofit of choice.