McCORMICK FOUNDATION JOINS MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL IN ASSISTING RETURNING VETERANS
Foundation to match the first $4 million raised, up to $2 million, and cover all expenses
CHICAGO, July 2, 2008
The McCormick Foundation and Major League Baseball have launched Welcome Back Veterans, an initiative designed to raise public awareness about issues facing today's veterans, and to raise funds to help returning service members and their families repair and restore their lives. The program will focus primarily on mental health and job needs.
“We are committed to serve those who have served and their families who have given so much,” said Brig. Gen. (Ret.) David L. Grange, president and chief executive officer of the McCormick Foundation. “We are proud to be a part of this important effort. Caring for our servicemen and women is a critical responsibility that we all share. More than 30,000 Americans have been wounded in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan alone. Some suffer long-term physical trauma. And many more need our help to find jobs, re-start their lives and care for their families again.”
To encourage giving and strengthen the program’s impact,
the McCormick Foundation will match the first $4 million raised, at 50 cents on the dollar. This will make up to $2 million in matching dollars available to support programs helping those who have served their country so well. In addition, Major League Baseball and the McCormick Foundation are paying all expenses associated with this initiative, so that
100 percent of the funds raised, plus the matching dollars, will go to programs and services for veterans.
Those who wish to donate can do any of the following:
1. Make your contribution online at
www.WelcomeBackVeterans.org
2. Call toll-free 1 877 838 5030
3. Mail a check to
WELCOME BACK VETERANS
37002 EAGLE WAY
CHICAGO, IL 60678-1370
Additional Veterans Campaigns
The McCormick Foundation has also partnered with private equity firms and the investment community to launch Operation Healing Freedom, a campaign aimed at providing critical services to U.S. armed forces, veterans and their families, who have suffered injury and loss during current and previous conflicts.
About the McCormick Foundation
The McCormick Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening our free, democratic society by investing in children, communities and country. Through its five grantmaking programs, Cantigny Park and Golf, and three world-class museums, the Foundation helps build a more active and engaged citizenry. It was established as a charitable trust in 1955, upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The McCormick Foundation is one of the nation’s largest charities, with $1.2 billion in assets. For more information, please visit
www.McCormickFoundation.org.