A major fundraising event for two local Fisher Houses was originally scheduled for September, then rescheduled to October before being canceled because of Hurricane Helene. It seems fitting as we approach Thanksgiving, sponsors told event organizers, “Keep the money.”
The Augusta Chapter of the Association for the United States Army (AUSA) organized the event to support the area’s two Fisher Houses, one on post at Fort Eisenhower and the other at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center on Wrightsboro Road.
“Fisher Houses provide free lodging for families whose loved ones are being treated at any of the area hospitals. Not just the VA or Eisenhower (Army Medical Center), but at any of the hospitals,” Retired U.S. Army Col. Thom Tuckey of the Augusta Chapter, explained for ABD. “They can stay here for free, which takes a tremendous financial burden off of them. It also gives them a caring, understanding environment to live in while they’re here.”
The September fundraiser was to feature Gen. David Petraeus (Ret.) as the keynote speaker. When the general’s schedule changed, the event was moved to October. Then Hurricane Helene hit. Although the Columbia County Exhibition Center received minor damage, it was being used as a staging area for Georgia Power repair teams.
“We reached out to all our sponsors and said, ‘We’re still committed to trying to make a donation to the two Fisher Houses. Would you be willing to donate any part of your sponsorship?’ said Tuckey. “I think probably 80% of them said, ‘Take it all and do that.’”
Those contributions, combined with ticket holders who declined refunds, resulted in the Augusta chapter presenting a check for $54,000. Then funds will be divided equally between the two Fisher houses.
Courtney Deese, Manager of the Fisher House Foundation, said the support of the public and the business community is vital to the Fisher Houses. The houses can support 27 families, seven at the house on post and 20 at the Wrightsboro Road location.
“It’s always ongoing needs, whether it’s cleaning supplies, snacks,” she said. “Some families come here from out of town for an appointment. They don’t know the loved one’s going to be admitted. Some of them don’t even have transportation. So, we are their road map for everything that goes on in this house and to help them.”
Among those on hand for the Nov. 22 ceremony was LTG Paul Stanton, former commanding general for the Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Eisenhower, and his wife, Noni.
“Wouldn’t have missed this,” he said. “Two fantastic organizations combining for a fantastic cause. Great human beings that are members of AUSA and the altruism of our community to donate the money to a cause that is just absolutely fantastic when people are in the most need, in crisis, under significant stress. The Fisher House relieves a piece of that and makes life a lot better for a lot of folks.”
Stanton is currently Director of the Defense Information Systems Agency and Commander of the Joint Forces Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network.
Sponsors ranged from Peach State Federal Credit Union and Security Federal Bank to Ivey Homes and Herbert Homes, Inc., as well as Blanchard Calhoun Real Estate and Pierwood Construction.
