The Bob Woodruff Foundation has long recognized how critical mental health care is not just for service members transitioning back into civilian life but also for military children. The nonprofit’s third annual Veterans Classic, held at the Westhampton Country Club on May 20, raised over $250,000 to further support this funding.
The event featured a performance by the veteran-owned and operated Patriot Parachute Team, which jumped in with two of last year’s auction winners, a golf tournament, pickleball, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and awards ceremony, along with remarks by Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. Board members Colin Heffron and Mike Hoffman co-chaired the event for the third consecutive year.
“Gathering on the greens to play golf with a great group of people and veterans symbolizes the spirit of unity and support that drives our mission,” said Dougherty. “This event isn’t just about the game; it’s also about making a difference in the lives of those who have served our country. Our thanks to our co-chairs Colin Heffron and Mike Hoffman, under whose leadership we raised over $250,000 for our mental health investments.”
Recognizing the unique challenges military children face, from frequent moves to deployments to the prospect, or actuality, of losing a parent, the Bob Woodruff Foundation pledged to invest $1 million in military children’s mental health in 2022. The Foundation has exceeded its goal, working with numerous organizations nationwide to ensure that the investments complemented the services available through insurance providers and increased the availability of clinicians trained to work with children. They have also invested in programs focused on military children’s overall mental well-being by fostering relationships with mentors and increasing access to extracurricular activities.