Friday, May 09, 2008

ThanksUSA kicks off fundraising initiative

ThanksUSA, a charitable effort providing college scholarships to spouses and dependents of active-duty troops, launched a two-month fundraising drive to raise $1 million. With an Independence Day deadline, the organization hopes to raise enough money to provide more than 500 scholarships to military families this year.

“With May being National Military Appreciation Month, we can show our gratitude to our servicemen and servicewomen and their families by providing them the precious gift of education,” said retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Normand Lezy, a ThanksUSA board member. “We encourage all Americans to acknowledge the sacrifices our troops make in serving our country.”

The scholarships have turned dreams into realities for many children and spouses of active-duty military personnel across the country, with scholarship recipients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. ThanksUSA has helped diminish the financial burden of college for many families in the U.S. - turning students into nurses, teachers and lawyers, among other professions.

Over the past two years, ThanksUSA has awarded nearly $4 million in need-based, post-secondary scholarships to more than 1,350 spouses and children of military members serving on active-duty status.

“We hope people across America will continue to invest in helping our troops and their families receive an education by donating to the scholarship program,” said Michele Stork, executive director for ThanksUSA. “These brave individuals and their families deserve the opportunity to pursue an education like everyone else.”

Interested individuals, organizations and corporations are encouraged to make a direct donation to the ThanksUSA scholarship fund at http://www.ThanksUSA.org. 

ThanksUSA began in 2005 as an idea by two Virginia schoolgirls, Rachel and Kelsi Okun, who wanted to thank active-duty troops for defending our freedoms. The girls attracted a small group of adults to develop their idea - including their parents, who contributed the goal of raising funds for military-family scholarships for college, technical and vocational schools. 

These need-based scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to the spouses and children of active-duty military personnel who plan to pursue a post-secondary education, including vocational and technical training. Recipients are selected on the basis of financial need, academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities.

Interested applicants can find more information, eligibility requirements and the official application form at http://www.ThanksUSA.org. Applications are accepted through May 15.