“Why we do what we do”
Excerpt from a recent stay: “I have never felt so relaxed, close to God, or more grateful for the beauty and majesty of this place. Every day that I spent here I woke with a heart of gratitude for Josh and what has been created in his honor and memory and for his family and supporters who continue his cause. I can’t thank you enough for providing me with ‘medicine for the soul’ which is how I would describe this trip. Even the hot tub was soothing on my painful joints. I don’t know how much more time I will have to make memories like this but this week will always be one of the best of my life.”
THERAPEUTIC STAYS
This is our focus, our reason for the foundation. We were able to provide therapeutic stays for 10 families in 2023! We have 3 stays already booked for 2024 with 11 more we are working with folks to schedule!
TURKEY HUNTS FOR VETERANS
We were able to provide opportunities for 3 Veterans to turkey hunt with us in 2023. 2 of those hunters were guided by a Veteran who hunted with us during our first hunts. 2 turkeys were harvested by our hunters in 2023.
HUNTING BLINDS
Bass Pro Shops of Cincinnati donated $2500 towards hunting blinds that can be used by those with physical challenges. These funds along with $ from the Foundation provided for purchase of 2 of these blinds. Thanks to numerous friends of the foundation, we were able to clear areas for these, drop dead trees that might have fallen on the blinds and put the blinds on skids to allow for ease of movement. These are ready to use for hunters in 2024!
LODGE UPGRADES
Culligan reverse osmosis drinking water system installed, new king bed for the Army bedroom, major IT upgrades including much better internet, alarm system and cameras. New shed purchased for improved guest access to firepit chairs, corn hole and other amenities.
BROTHERS WEEKEND
We again hosted numerous teammates of Josh’s from the West Point Rugby team for a weekend. Projects included placement of the new shed, new roof over the firewood lean to, grinding numerous stumps to make it easier to mow, cutting and splitting firewood and draining and cleaning of the cistern and hot tub. Of course, lots of food was consumed and plenty of time was spent around the firepit and telling stories.
GOLF OUTING
Our 2nd Annual Josh Minton Foundation Golf Benefit in July was a HUGE success! We SOLD OUT every golf team we had room for! With the help of our sponsors, players and numerous volunteers we raised $15,754 to further our mission. Happy to confirm the 3rd annual event for July 27, 2024. More details coming early in 2024!
ARMY/NAVY SQUARES
Our winter fundraiser was a huge hit! We sold out of squares for the Army/Navy game this year, allowing us to raise $2500 to support our mission. This will be back in 2025! Go Army! Beat Navy!
OUTREACH
Board members attended National Cancer Survivor Day event in Annapolis, MD and the 173rd Airborne Brigade annual reunion in Nashville to help get the word out about our mission.
WAYS TO SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION
Unfortunately, Amazon rewards is no longer. Happy to say that we are now enrolled in Kroger rewards. We also have an Amazon wish list that allows folks to provide needs items for the Lodge such as bedding, cleaning and kitchen supplies among other things. We are thankful the Clever Clovers 4H Club again donated paper products, soaps and trash bags. Watch for details on swag to be out soon as well. This will include the new challenge coins that were created this year to honor Josh’s service and several other items.
