11-09-2023 9:56pm

Double Down For Veterans

Beth Callahan Editor

Submitted photo form Game Day Communications

While Veterans Day is actually Saturday Nov., 11, nationally, it is being observed Friday Nov., 10. And, if you are looking for a way to help thank our country's men and women who have served and protected us here and aboard, you may want to check out Double Down for Veterans.

Now in its 12th consecutive year, T he Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf) have partnered with Semper Fi & America’s Fund, to generously match up to $10 million in donations made between now and Dec., 31, 2023. If met, this match will bring support from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG to $100 million.

WHAT DOES THE FUND DO?

According to Semper Fi & American's Fund website, thefund.org, it is a national organization that is ... "dedicated to providing immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to our nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families."

Started in 2004, The Fund has been providing lifelong support to as many service members it can, that are battling lifelong effects — physical, mental, and emotional — of combat-related injuries or illnesses.

"The Fund accompanies service members and veterans through the highs and lows, with case managers to check in regularly and other support for as long as needed," noted Game Day Communications Director of Media Katherine Nero. "Since its inception in 2004, it has given more than $320 million in grants to support 31,000 combat-wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families."

WHAT IS THE BOB & RENEE PARSONS FOUNDATION?

Bob Parsons is a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He is also founder of the Godaddy Group, in which in 2011, he sold a majority stake in a deal that valued the company at $2.3 billion.

In 2012, he, along with his wife Renee Parsons, a business executive, started The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. The foundation was started with..."the hope to change the lives of our country's critically wounded veterans and to improve outcomes for individual and families living in poverty."

Then in 2013, Bob, who is described as a gulf nut, began PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf). It was started from Bob's' desire to make the world's best golf equipment. (To date there are 22 stores in the U.S. with the recent PXG-Cincinnati opening last month in October.)

The Double Down for Veterans match campaign has raised $193 million and has helped support 31,000 service members, veterans, and military families in The Fund’s care since it's begining in 2012. "Thanks to the thousands of donors who, year after year, have looked forward to participating in the annual match from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG," noted Nero.

Nero added that donations from the The Fund do directly impact Ohio veterans. "Over the last 12 years, The Fund has helped 790 Ohio veterans with $5,714,000 in support."

To learn more or to make a donation visit http://thefund.org/match.