HEALING RIVERS

Description

It was the summer of 2016, and there was a desire to take a combat veteran fishing in my boat, by the fall the first Wounded Warrior Bass Bash was launched. There were 35 combat injured veterans plus their guest attending that event. Since then we have grown to having 80 combat veterans, 55 volunteer boater/guides approximately 80 volunteers and the entire community donating everything from food, refreshments, equipment, entertainment. The success of this event and a deep seated feeling of honor and pride, prompted me to do more. February 2020, we received our letter from the IRS acknowledging us as a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Our start up year has been difficult due to the Covid Pandemic. Our plans are to acquire 100 -200 acres of mountain ground to operate our program. Eventually construct a beautiful lodge. We will run weekly events throughout the year serving smaller groups, including what i refer to as family unity camping weekends, to help to reconnect the family dynamics. We have served 100's of veterans, many have sent letters of gratitude. This program has the support from the Veterans Affairs, The Nature Conservancy, Central Pa Conservancy, Sierra Club Pa., Wounded Warrior Project (Pittsburgh), local Senators and Congressmen, Prominent businesses, and business owners. We are in the building phase and thus now is a good time to climb on board and become a member of Healing Rivers.