5 minute read
FOLDS OF HONOR
HEROES & HOLIDAYS
By Kathy Fox
PHOTOS BY COURTNEY ECKDAHL-HUSTLE MEDIA AND COURTESY OF FOLDS OF HONOR TENNESSEE
Folds of Honor Tennessee, a non-profit on a mission to provide educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members, is thrilled to share the remarkable achievements of its recent annual Christmas fundraiser, Heroes & Holidays. The event was a resounding success thanks to the generous support of three returning sponsors, The Tractor Supply Foundation, The Lumistella Company, and Guardian Garage Floors. With supporters gathering from all corners of the state, the fundraiser surpassed all expectations, raising an incredible $547,000 to further the organization's noble cause.
The lively celebration unfolded at Graystone Quarry in Franklin, Tennessee, combining festive holiday vibes with a strong patriotic spirit. The evening centered around the Folds of Honor mission while guests enjoyed food, libations, and a unique experience where guests designed a custom hat with the help of Rustler Hat Co.
Attendees experienced an unforgettable evening, immersed in live performances by Grace Shriver and country icon Lee Brice, insights from keynote speaker and scholarship recipient Alex Maddox, and an auction extravaganza showcasing exclusive items generously donated by supporting businesses and individuals. Auction highlights included unique experiences like FN America Range Day with country superstar Jordan Davis, a South African Safari Hunt, a VIP Package for the Chicago Street Race and Cubs Game, and many more.
The community's overwhelming generosity shone brightly during the evening as supporters dug deep to contribute to the cause. Highlighted by The Horesji Charitable Foundation's generous $75,000 donation. Executive director of Folds of Honor Tennessee, Jenner Kreifels, said, “Our goal for Heroes and Holidays [in 2023] was to create an elevated, festive, exclusive experience for all attendees centered around the Folds of Honor mission. It was a fantastic way to end the year, and we cannot thank Lee Brice enough for his incredible performance to end the night!”
“A huge thank you to our generous sponsors, board members, attendees, and Lee Brice for making Heroes & Holidays an extravagant way to end our year. Our team is looking forward to big growth in 2024 and continuing to raise more scholarship funds for deserving military and first responder families in Tennessee,” added Matt Frauenshuh, president of Folds of Honor Tennessee.
As an organization, Folds of Honor gives 91 cents of every dollar to those they serve and has experienced tremendous growth in 2023. Since its inception in 2007, they have given more than 51,000 scholarships totaling over $240 million to the spouses and children of those who have fallen or been disabled. In 2023, Folds of Honor Tennessee was able to grant 408 scholarships to people in Tennessee so they could realize their dreams and go to college.
It all began with Lt Col Dan Rooney’s flight home from his second tour of duty in Iraq. An F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he became painfully aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform has fallen or is disabled. As his flight landed, the pilot announced they carried the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on board. Lt Col Rooney watched as Corporal Bucklin’s twin brother walked somberly alongside the flag-covered casket to meet his family on the tarmac. Among them was the deceased Corporal’s young son, Jacob.
Since that night, Lt Col Rooney has committed his life to rallying patriotic Americans and meeting sacrifice with hope through the Folds of Honor. Today they continue to provide life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military, and their mission has expanded to the families of America’s first responders. On their watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten.
The Folds of Honor folded flag logo symbolizes the heavy price of freedom. It is also a reminder and a symbol of hope. Representing the enduring ideals that make this country a beacon of democracy and reflecting the mission to honor the sacrifice of American heroes while giving hope to the bearers of their legacy.
Heroes & Holidays was the organization's final fundraiser of 2023 and plans are underway for the annual celebrity golf outing slated for April 2024. Folds of Honor Tennessee looks forward to continuing its vital work in the coming year, fueled by the generosity and commitment of its supporters like you!
For additional information or to donate to this worthy cause visit tennessee.foldsofhonor.org and follow them on social media at @foldsofhonortn.
