Thank you VA and Charleston Police for watching over us, keeping us safe. We are so thankful for our strong community!
Since we opened just over a year ago, we have maintained our House at 70% occupancy or more! Clearly, we needed a Fisher House in Charleston! Stay tuned, because we will go over the 1000th Guest really soon!!!
Fisher House Foundation held their annual conference this month. House Managers and their community support groups met to share experiences and discover new ways to support our House. We have returned with great energy and some new ideas!
Historic Charleston included Fisher House Charleston in their 2019 Festival of Houses and Gardens! Hundreds of visitors were able to see first hand how our Military, Veterans and their Caregivers are supported by a loving community!
Thank you Charleston Day School for supporting Fisher House Charleston as part of your Mission Possible Day! Nice to have supportive neighbors!
Thank you Marrington Elementary School for your support of Fisher House Charleston!
Thank you to the South Carolina Stingrays for featuring us on 16 March! This type of community involvement really helps us help our Military Veterans and their caregivers!
Instrumental to our success is having a strong core team to help us get the word out to Military Veterans and their families. We formed the Outreach Committee to do just that. Thank you to General Fedder, Colonel Bauer and Ms. Weiss for being part of the team. If you are part of a group or organization and you would like us to come present about Fisher House Charleston, please message us. Over 900 families served so far! Help us spread the word!
LTGEN (Ret) Patricia E. McQuistion, Vice President of the Association of the U. S. Army visited Fisher House Charleston earlier this month to learn how we take care of our Military, Veterans and their families.
Old St. Andrews Parish Church is a strong supporter of Fisher House Charleston, providing manpower, donations and empathy to support our Veterans and their families!
We have always enjoyed tremendous support from the American Legion. Thank you to Post 147 for their generous gift!
As House Manager, Vicki is responsible for the running of Fisher House Charleston - everything from check-in to maintenance to outreach! Every once in a while she escapes the endless demands for her time by hiding out in the kitchen and making yummy desserts for our guests! Thanks Vicki!
Friends of Fisher House Charleston Executive Director Chris Ward served as a Judge for the American Legion Oratorical's. So many talented young people gathered together; inspiring!
Our families love the "Chex Mix Ladies" ❤ Thanks Carol and Penny for your continued support!!
Special thanks to the great folks at Carolina One Real Estate for their wonderful donations for families staying at Fisher House Charleston.
Torrey Glass, the Proprietor of 60 Bull Cafe, has made a commitment to be part of the Fisher House Charleston support team! When guests are looking for a meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner), they can always find a smiling and welcoming face, delicious local food and a 10% discount at 60 Bull Cafe. We are so lucky to located near this charming neighborhood restaurant! Visit 60 Bull's Website
Thank you to Johnny Johnson, Vietnam Veteran and volunteer at Fisher House Charleston. Tonight’s dinner for the families staying with us? Ribs right off the grill!
Thank you Trident Hospital's Lowcountry Transitions Behavioral Health for your good humor, contagious smiles.... and great cooking! We couldn't do it without our wonderful volunteers!
The Friends of Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, W. Larry Dandridge recently spoke at the Fort Mill, SC Rotary Lunch Club. US Army Aviation Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Dandridge talked about the VA Medical System, Fisher House Charleston, the soon-to-be Fisher House Columbia, the US Helicopter War in Vietnam, and the award winning military history and action book that Larry wrote to raise funds for Fisher House Charleston. Larry’s book, Blades of Thunder (Book One) and his speeches have raised more than $60,000.00 for Fisher House Charleston. To schedule Larry for a speaking engagement and book signing in support of the Friends of Fisher House Charleston, call Larry at his office at 843-573-9657 or cell phone 843-276-7164 or email him at LDandridge@earthlink.net. Friends of Fisher House Charleston THANKS LTC Dandridge for his support!
Thank you Guinot Institut Mount Pleasant for your strong support of Fisher House Charleston!
Thank you Charleston Area Men’s Interclub Golf Association for your generous support!
Retired Army Nurse Colonel Anne and her husband, Dr. John show up for their first volunteer shift at the Fisher House Charleston, ready to work!
Today is a special day at our medical center - today we celebrate what
would
have been PFC Ralph H. Johnson's 70th birthday. Happy Birthday Ralph and
thank
you for letting us be a part of carrying on your legacy of service,
courage,
selflessness and sacrifice.
To read more about Ralph's story -
link over
to his Medal of Honor page: http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3318/johnson-ralph-h.php
Volunteer Barbara George created this patriotic centerpiece for Fisher House Charleston entryway. Thank you Barbara!!!!
'Tis the season....for giving back! The Young AFCENS had a wonderful time cooking for our Veterans and their families at the Charleston Fisher House tonight! With Jennifer Greenwell, Kristin McCall Smith, Laura Marion and Kelly McCormack.
Third year we are the beneficiaries of the Seabrook Island Veteran's Day golf outing for Ralph Johnson VAMC and Fisher House Charleston. Thanks to chairman Alan Armstrong for all his continuing efforts on behalf of veterans
Great support by the Strimple/Zipperer team
Percy[aka] Superman left his cape in the phone booth for this short climb.......drive by and enjoy all of Vicki's decorations
When families stay at Fisher House Charleston they all remark that the house looks spotless........but then they find out that the man that make it so is that really friendly guy Percy who every now and then will admit to his alter ego.......SUPERMAN he even changes with a cell phone!!
Vicki Johnson visited the Rotary Club of Charleston for their Veteran's Day Program.
Valerie Warnock of Geocent presents donation check from their 2018 campaign for Fisher House Charleston. Great support from this North Charleston firm.
Charlie James of 12150 WTMA broadcasted live from the Fisher House. Thank you Charlie for your support!
On November 8, 2018 The VA Medical Center's Administrative Executive Council took some extra time out of their evening to prepare dinner for the guests at the Fisher House. Tacos and Chili were on the menu! YUM!
So today we visited the Charlie James show on WTMA. He will be broadcasting from the house from 6 to 10 AM on Friday November 9. During our on the air discussions we discussed the type of donations that we could use for our guests and how the Fisher House Charleston Radiothon would be structured. USN Veteran Paul Goldberg heard the show and immediately stopped by to get more information from Vicki. A short time late he was back from COSTCO. Thank you Paul..you're #1 and thank you WTMA for what promises to be a very successful campaign supporting our veterans and their families.
Mr Darryl Broome, Director South Carolina Lieutenant Governor's Office on Aging presents donation that will provide our guests transportation between the house and VAMC. A most generous and needed source of funds! (L-R) Kent Hutchinson, VAMC Director Scott Isaacks, Mr Broome, Ken Burton
Our web master Phil Reichner www.pandadigitalagency.com and members of Fellowship Masonic Lodge #400 cooked dinner Wednesday night for our guests. Reported best ever! Pictured left to right: Tommy Blackwood, Herb Franklin, Al Couch, Mel Wagner, Jim Rowan II, James Hartnett, Phil Reichner, Larry Anderson, Gage Novaria.
On Wednesday October 10 the Daniel Island Exchange Club visited and toured the beautiful new Fisher House of Charleston residence. Pictured left to right are Jim Herzog, Joe Delpino, Sandy Dominick, Alexandra Lanza and Pam Delpino. The busts are of Elizabeth and Zachary Fisher, the original founders of Fisher House. We are proud to support Fisher House.
Fisher House Charleston Managers receive a very generous $1500 donation from Summerville Masonic Lodge #234. [L-R] Chris Jackson, Worshipful Master James Harmon, Vicki Johnson and Master Mason Tony Lowder. We are grateful for this support to our veterans and their families.
German Friendly Society President Hugh Tant presents Vicki a very generous $500 donation........thanks for supporting our veterans and their families.
Had a great visit from Washington Light Infantry[WLI] members exploring options to support Fisher House Charleston. Seated Dr W. Bonner Thomason WLI Battalion Surgeon, Standing [L-R] Colonel Carl B. Beckmann WLI Board of Officers Vice Chairman, LTC Dale Theilling WLI Executive Officer, Major General James E. Livingston Medal of Honor Recipient and Major General Henry I Siegling WLI Commander
Would you like to cook dinner for the residents of the Fisher House? By clinking the link below, you will be redirected to the Meal Train for Fisher House Charleston.
Charlie Aimar, Mary Anne Lilienthal Aimar and Bill McDaniel from the James Island Yacht Club cooked dinner for the residence of the Fisher House.
Crowfield Men's Golf Association presents Fisher House Charleston's House Manager Vicki Johnson a $600 check from last Saturday's event. Did we mention we also have great volunteers from Crowfield? Thanks to all who support our veterans.
Joann Bright of the Parris Island Thrift Shop traveled to Charleston today to present this $2000 donation. We are very grateful for this generous support to our veterans
James Island Yacht Club presented more donations from their events supporting Fisher House Charleston.......almost $40,000 to date.
Thanks to the Exchange Club Daniel Island
Judy Hennis President of American Legion Auxiliary South Carolina presents a donation from her year long project supporting Fisher House Charleston. A huge and generous contribution. We are thankful for this support to our veterans.
Charlie and the Riverdogs players were ready to serve our Veterans and their families at Fisher House Charleston today - great food and fun! Join us for Fisher House Charleston Night at The Joe this evening.
Fisher House Charleston guest Johnnie Hicks said, “If there was anything better than this, God would have to bring it.” To Mr. Hicks and all of our Fisher House families, it is an honor to serve you!
Charleston River Dogs host the Harleston Village neighbors for a pre-game lunch.
For Day Four of Yankees #HOPEWeek Pitchers JP Sears, Dalton Lehnen, Outfielder Steven Sensley, and RiverDogs staff served food and hosted an Open House at The Fisher House Charleston with current residents and active and veteran military members.
United Daughters of Confederacy C Irvine Walker
Chapter
#190
present a donation to President Josh Strimple......[l-r]Mary Lee
Rogers,Benita
Kinlaw, Linda Sargent, Josh, Carolyn Arnold, Barbara Simmons, Kimberlee
Lisicki
and Martha Lisicki.
We appreciate your support!!
Thank you to all who participated in the Low Country CPOA Golf Tournament
President Josh Strimple keynotes the Memorial Day Program at the Ralph H Johnson VAMC
West Ashley Outboard Motor Club President Mickey Thompson and Bruce Saxman present a Most Generous donation at their May meeting last night.......THX for your support!
Knights from KofC Assembly 3272 Georgetown, SC personally delivered their generous donation and toured the house. From left to right: Joe Gabriel, Charles Sacavage, Bob Hilken and Jim Mc Mahon pose with Zack and Elizabeth
Our Friends at Baldwin & Associates CPA who maintain our financial and tax records made a visit Friday to see what they have been supporting since 2013. From right to left Dawn Goehring, Scott Schlau, Alys Anne Dennis and Dawn's father Lou.
I was honored this rainy morning to welcome a packed
room
of
golfers / Veterans to the Friends Of Fisher House Charleston/Grand
Strand Golf
Tournament at Whispering Pines Golf Course! Thank you to Fred Kane, who
organized this incredible fundraising event for Fisher House Charleston,
which
has served over 75,000 families of Veterans from 22 coastal counties
receiving
medical care in Charleston! Quote of the morning: “There is no charge
for
Veterans and their families at Fisher House because they have already
paid the
price!” God bless Fred Kane and Grand Strand supporters of Fisher House!
God
bless America’s Veterans!
PS: Happy 60th Birthday, Fred Kane!!!
Thanks to everyone for visiting our table at Joint Base Charleston Air Show. Corn hole boards and prizes were very popular with the kids.
Carolina One Realty presents $1000 donation to BOD Member Bob Crawford. A great big Thank you to L-R Andie Weathers, Lina Costanzo, Paige Pollock, Charlie Aikman, Jean Acsell, [Bob], Tom Tillery Jackie Parker and Stuart DeVault
USS Ralph H Johnson Gunnery Officer LT jg Gonzalez and pre- commissioning shipmates volunteered at Fisher House today.....great young men and women
Palmetto Military Support Group provided catered evening meal from 60 Bull Cafe and toured the house before having a social at 60 Bull Cafe.......PMSG Board Member Col Judi Hughes USAF ret chats with House Manager Vicki Johnson and Kent
When Milinda Anderson learned of a way to help the
newly-established
Fisher House in Charleston, a home-away-from-home for families of sick
veterans,
she jumped at the opportunity.
Her mind immediately flooded with memories of her grandpa, a World
War II
Army veteran.
The retail manager of the Cracker Barrel store in Summerville,
Anderson was
contacted last month by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 3433 in
Ladson
about donating hand-painted rocking chairs for the Fisher House front
porch.
"When they said 'the Fisher House,' that was all they had to say,"
Anderson
said.
The home is the first of its kind in the state, though 76 others
exist
across the country, and is used to house sick veterans' families, or the
vets
themselves if need be, according to Vicki Johnson, house manager and
20-year
veteran of the U.S. Air Force. It's also the first Fisher House located
in a
residential area.
Looking for a way to help the inaugural facility, VFW officials said
they
worked out the deal with the local eatery, only expecting to secure two
or three
chairs maximum. But six total chairs, each displaying a symbol of a
separate
military branch, now rest on the home's porch, giving visitors who lodge
there a
place for outdoor respite.
Since opening its doors on Jan. 10, the Fisher House has welcomed
more than
60 veterans' families in need of a free place to stay while a loved one
receives
care at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, MUSC and any other
hospitals in
the Lowcountry and 22 total coastal counties, Johnson said. The home has
16
total suites and averages 10 to 11 families per night.
"If you ever see the Fisher House, then you'll know. It's not a
house; it's
a home," said Beth Tuft, guard for the S.C. Auxiliary Department.
Without the lodging, many families who can't afford multiple nights
in a
hotel would have to sleep in their cars in parking lots, according to
Johnson.
Summerville Mayor Wiley Johnson, also an Air Force veteran, praised
Cracker
Barrel's role.
"We're here to honor Cracker Barrel for being such a good citizen,
and we're
looking forward to having more and more," he said of future town
businesses.
Both Wiley Johnson and Vicki Johnson attended a special luncheon at
the
restaurant on Friday to honor Anderson, who couldn't help but tear up
when VFW
ladies presented her with a special plaque.
"We had no place to put our family up," Anderson said about her
grandpa's
hospital stay in Charleston during the 1980s.
Also in attendance Friday, and proudly dressed in patriotic colors
and
symbols, were state leaders from The Military Order of the Cootie
Auxiliary and
several Ladson VFW Auxiliary members.
The Fisher House relies solely on community donations to operate,
and Vicki
Johnson said the local one has received financial support from thousands
of
organizations, many of them veteran-related.
For more information on volunteering or donating, call 843-805-8200;
visit
the website;or find Friends of Fisher House Charleston/Grand Strand on
Facebook.
SOURCE: The Summerville Journal Scene; "'It's not a house; it's a home': Local VFW, Cracker Barrel donate to Fisher House". Follow this link to the original : 'It's not a house; it's a home': Local VFW, Cracker Barrel donate to Fisher House
An opportunity of a lifetime… that’s how I would
describe
my
job as
the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Fisher House Manager. After
spending 20
years in the Air Force and moving to Charleston after retirement, I was
hired to
work at VA. I started in the Public Affairs office and then moved to
Voluntary
Service, before being selected as the first manager of Fisher House
Charleston.
It’s absolutely the best job I’ve ever had! After deploying twice to
Afghanistan
and a trip to Iraq, I knew that when I retired I still wanted to serve
in some
capacity, and working at Fisher House allows me to do just that. Now I
get to
serve the families of the men and women who have served our country. The
family
members may not have worn a uniform but they still sacrificed as they
supported
the Servicemember, and this is my opportunity to thank and support them.
Our Fisher House is located in historical downtown Charleston at 150
Wentworth Street. It is the first three-story Fisher House and is also
the first
to be built in a residential community. We have 16 suites to accommodate
families and a common kitchen, dining room and living room area.
Families stay
at Fisher House at no cost for as long as the Veteran is hospitalized.
They are
referred to us through the Veteran’s social worker.
As we all know, hotels in Charleston are expensive, especially if
you need
to stay several days or even weeks. If you add to that, the cost of food
and
other necessities, it can easily become overwhelming and add significant
pressure to an already difficult situation. The Fisher House staff and
volunteers are here to help alleviate some of the stress. Whether it’s
coordinating with a social worker, helping with luggage, giving
directions,
preparing meals or baking cookies, the Fisher House team is ready to
serve. We
also have many wonderful partners in the community who donate to us so
that we
can provide the “little extras” that truly make it feel like home.
Through the
generosity of our donors, we have luggage racks, irons, ironing boards,
hampers,
clothes hangers and many other amenities in each guest’s room, not to
mention a
fully stocked pantry and refrigerator.
We opened the doors for our first families nearly two month ago on
Jan. 10.
Since then, over 60 families have stayed at Fisher House, some for only
a night
or two, others for nearly seven weeks. It provides families, who are
undergoing
similar situations, with the opportunity to mourn, bond, cope, heal, and
grow
together. The families are overwhelmed to have such a wonderful place to
stay
and so grateful to the Fisher Family and our community for their
generosity in
making this possible. …because a family’s love is good medicine.
SOURCE: Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center; "continuing my service, my mission, my VA." Follow this link to the original story continuing my service, my mission, my VA
Young AFCEAN's (The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association) continue to support Fisher Charleston. President Josh Strimple receives $4317 check from [L-R] Laura Dunham, Kristin Smith, Valerie Warnock, and Jennifer Greenwell. Thanks for all their fund raising efforts
Fisher House Charleston recognizes the importance of
the
aid
it
provides our Veteran's Families. Embroidered robes and other amenities
shares
the pride in the House.
One of our first guests models monogrammed robe furnished to every
room by
your donations.
SC American Legion Deputy Commander and Post 193 Chapin member Walt Richardson presents $500 check to Fisher House Charleston.
Josh and Kent receive the latest donation from our great supporters from Palmetto Chapter Women in Defense [L-R] Valerie Warnock, Amanda Stewart,Kristin Smith, Kelly Russ and Maura Boselowitz. First presentation in our new house!
Our Secretary Andy Francis with Parent's Cafe members of Old Saint Andrews Parish Church. This is only one of the many donations we have received from this great parish!
We were so excited to cut the ribbon today on our new Fisher House and we are even more excited to welcome our first families into the home soon. Thank you to Fisher House Foundation, The Fisher House Charleston, the many donors and the Charleston community for their support to make this Fisher House a reality!
Special thanks to the Seabrook Island Club for their donation of $7500 to our VA Medical Center and soon-to-open Fisher House Charleston. This golf tournament is an annual event with proceeds benefiting our Veterans and families. We are grateful for their spirit of giving and wonderful partnership as we care for our Nation’s Heroes. #HonoringVets
We just popped on by to check on things at the site and was greeted by one of the wonderful construction crew members beginning the framing of Fisher House Charleston. Andres says the building will be entirely framed within 6 weeks!
The Palmetto Chapter of Women in Defense [WID-PC]
continue
to
support Fisher House Charleston. One of our earliest supporters, they
have
raised over $15,000!
Attending the 150 Wentworth St. $3048 check presentation from their
most
recent fund raisers are [Back row L-R] Amanda Stewart, Whitney Bridges,
Maura
Boselowitz and [Front row L-R] Kristin Smith and Rachel Link
As of late April 2017, the Fisher House Charleston property has been cleared and foundation is being poured. We can see progress since March’s update!
The Dennis J Becker American Legion Post 205 recently
held a
golf
tournament for the benefit of Fisher House Charleston.
Courtney Peoples Post Commander presents a $750 check from the
proceeds to
Kent Hutchingson, Co-Chairman/Treasurer of Fisher House Charleston. Also
visiting 150 Wentworth [l-r] are Adjutant Michael Miranda, past Post
Commander
Bob Sterling, and Second Vice Commander Davis Leite.
We are looking forward to their next tournament at Rose Hill on
September
29, 2017
College of Charleston’s Phi Gamma Delta fraternity
successfully
raised and donated over $5000 to Fisher House Charleston from their 5th
annual
fund raiser.
This great support, of over $24,000 to date, will continue as the
house
becomes operational later this year.
Present at the check presentation ceremony are Patrick Smith
construction
site supervisor, Fisher House Charleston Co-Chairman/Treasurer Kent
Hutchinson
and Phi Gam brothers, Charles Cross and Mike De Wolfe
College of Charleston’s Phi Gamma Delta is excited to announce their 5th Annual Fiji Islander Philanthropy week will be April 3-7! And we are extremely honored that they have chosen to support Fisher House Charleston.
What a wonderful and well deserved honor for the
FISHER
HOUSE
FOUNDATION to receive the 2017 Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Citizen
Honors Award!
Co-Founder of Fisher House Charleston, Durbin Emerson says,
“Every day I
count our blessing that we are associated with such a remarkable
organization!”
Since 2008, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society has
selected U.S.
citizens and community organizations for their acts of courage and
selfless
service which epitomize the American spirit.This year they have
chosen
Fisher House Foundation as the community organization recipient of
their
2017 Citizen Honor Award. The recognition ceremony will be at Joint
Base
Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, on National Medal of
Honor Day,
Saturday, March 25, 2017.
Press Release
The famous Washington Light Infantry has taken a
great
interest
in the construction of Fisher House Charleston.
Following a 2016 briefing to them by Board Member BG Gil Harper
USA,
they generously donated $5000.
Pictured in the check presentation held at their 210th
Anniversary
Banquet are Toastmaster Captain Adam Sutton, MG Henry Siegling,
Kent,and L/C
Dale Thieling.
As of early March 2017, the property has been cleared. We here at Fisher House Charleston are waiting with bated breath for something noticeable to happen!
On the 8th of October 2016, the Low Country Harley Davidson Store in North Charleston held the 4th Chili Cook-Off competition for the benefit of Fisher House Charleston. Marketing manager Kelly Carroll presents the $1744 check from the proceeds to Kent Hutchinson. We treasure this relationship which began with Durbin an Trux Emerson since 2013.
Every day we get closer to helping veteran families. After looking at today’s demolition progress, it is hard to believe that the Fisher House Charleston’s Groundbreaking ceremony was roughly two weeks ago.
This philanthropic arm of the Dominion Companies
annually
supports numerous programs, volunteer activities and charitable
giving in
the communities they serve with $20 Million that is derived from
shareholder
dollars.
The main focus is to improve physical, social, and economic well
being
of the communities served with emphasis on Basic Human Needs,
Environmental
Protection, Education and Community Vitality.
Groundbreaking
The Fisher House Charleston’s Groundbreaking ceremony, on 18
November
2016, was expressed best by co-founder, Durbin Emerson, when she
said,
“Friday was an experience I am not sure I will ever be able to fully
describe to anyone, but it was amazing!”
And that it was.
We were reminded of the history of how securing a much needed
Fisher
House in Charleston was an impossible feat due to the limited land
on the
peninsula, where the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is located.
And that
three angels [Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston, USMC (ret.), Truxtun
Emerson
and Durbin Emerson] had a brilliant plan to make the impossible
possible.
The Master of Ceremonies was Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston, USMC
(ret.).
The Invocation was delivered by Maj. Gen. Charles C. Baldwin, USAF
(ret.).
Keynote Speaker was The Honorable Sloan D. Gibson, Deputy Secretary
of the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Remarks were made by Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO, Fisher House
Foundation; Durbin E. Emerson, Co-Founder of Fisher House
Charleston; Leslie
Wiggins, Network Director, VA Southeast Network; Scott Isaacks,
FACHE,
Director and CEO, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center; The Honorable
John
Tecklenburg, Mayor of Charleston. Co-Founder, T. Truxtun Emerson,
was unable
to attend personally, but was able to be a part of the day via
video. Watch
Trux’s video here.
Thank you to all that were in attendance. Big thank you’s to
everyone
for their continual support. If you were unable to attend in person,
watch
the Groundbreaking Ceremony via Facebook Live Stream. (courtesy of
Charleston VA Medical Center
Fisher House Charleston
Fisher House Charleston will provide a comfortable refuge for
families
of patients at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. Ralph H.
Johnson VAMC
provides health care for Veterans in 14 coastal counties from Myrtle
Beach,
South Carolina to Hinesville, Georgia and is one of the most highly
rated VA
hospitals in the country. The purpose of Charleston’s Fisher House
is to
demonstrate how we care for those who have served by eliminating
room and
board expenses to Veteran families while keeping them safe and close
to
their loved one as the Veteran receives medical care. Once
completed, the
Charleston facility will be a 16-suite home-away-from-home for these
families.
Fisher House Charleston is a true community effort that started
with a
local grass-roots movement lead by Trux and Durbin Emerson. Over the
past
four years, they have worked tirelessly to ensure land was purchased
and
donated to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and forged a strong
partnership with both the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and the
Fisher
House Foundation to make this dream a reality.
Fisher House Foundation
Since its establishment in 1990 by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher,
Fisher
House Foundation has built 71 Fisher Houses internationally,
including 31 VA
Fisher Houses, located at 29 VA facilities in the United States.
National VA
Fisher House fiscal year end 2016 highlights include:
On November 13th, Kent Hutchinson, was privileged
to
brief
Charleston’s Eliza Lucas Pinckney Chapter of the NSDAR on Fisher
House
Charleston’s status. Following the briefing, Ms. Mary Lucas
demonstrated the
chapter’s support to our military with a $500 donation to Fisher
House
Charleston.
We look forward to continuing support and interface with the
ladies of
the DAR.
The Seabrook Island Golf Club hosted the Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club Veteran’s Day Golf Outing. Over $9000 was was donated to the Ralph Johnson VAMC/Fisher House Charleston Team. Much thanks to Allan Armstrong who organized this annual event.
Over 60 veterans were feted during the Fisher
House
Charleston
Veteran’s Day golf outing. Medal of Honor recipient MG Livingston
USMC [ret]
addresses the players prior to the playing of the National Anthem.
Veterans played for free while major funds were raised for the
new
house which will open in 2017.
On November 18, 2016, please celebrate with us the GROUNDBREAKING for Charleston’s long awaited Fisher House where before too much longer we will finally welcome Veterans and their families to their home away from home. After a year of taking into consideration all of the feedback from individual, city and state consulting parties, the Fisher House Charleston has been entirely redesigned to be more architecturally compatible with the historic neighborhood where it will be built.
Ken Zachary and Jerry Stumbras of the Del Webb Golf Club and Alan Fisher and John Sisto of the Del Webb Veteran’s Club present Kent Hutchinson checks totaling $5000 from the October 24th golf outing and Club support.
Author of BLADES OF THUNDER (BOOK ONE), retired
Army
Aviator
Lt. Colonel W. Larry Dandridge was recognized, along with 11 other
local
area seniors, yesterday by The Greater Charleston Chapter of
National Aging
in Place (NAIPC) Council as a low country SC community role model.
Larry was specifically recognized for his volunteer work and his
commitment to live life to the fullest as a Patient Adviser
Volunteer at the
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center; his volunteer work helping
troops,
veterans, and their families as the VP of Veteran Affairs and Past
President
of the Charleston, SC Chapter of the Association of the US Army
(AUSA); and
for his efforts as an avid fund raiser for FISHER HOUSE CHARLESTON.
His latest book, BLADES OF THUNDER (BOOK ONE), was written to
help raise
awareness and money for FISHER HOUSE CHARLESTON, to honor the 42
members of
his flight class who gave the last full measure in Vietnam, and to
commemorate 50 years since America’s longest and most controversial
war.
Larry’s book sales, his motivational speeches, and book signings
have raised
more than $60,000.00 for FISHER HOUSE CHARLESTON in the past year.
Nominations for this honor were based on the following criteria:
Ft. Sumter Life Members Club President Martin Duane and Secretary Luki Wong present Co-Chairman Kent Hutchinson a generous donation of $5000. The club has a history of supporting a number of Low Country Area Charities and expressed interest in opportunities to continue support when the house opens.
Fisher House Charleston’s new address is:
Fisher House Charleston
Post Office Box 1678
Charleston, SC 29402
We would love to hear from you.
Cane Bay Del Webb Vetmates, Maggie Johnson and
Treasurer, Marty
Harris present Kent Hutchinson a check for $2485. The funds were
raised via
the Memorial Day Poppy donations and the Duck Races held during the
4th of
July Picnic. Cane Bay Del Webb has been a regular supporter and the
men’s
golf group is sponsoring an October 24 Golf Tournament at Crowfield
as their
next fund raiser for Fisher House Charleston.
We truly appreciate their continuous enthusiasm and support!
Trux, Kent and Durbin get ready to receive
check[s]
totaling
over $11,000 from William Mc Daniel and the rest of the committee
for the
James Island Yacht Club 5K Run/Walk and Golf Cart Race held May
21st. Mary
Ann Aimars [ctr] ran the Kentucky Derby Marathon in April and raised
over
$5500 for Fisher House Charleston the balance was raised from the
May 21
events and donations.
Who said fund raising can’t be fun?
Fisher House Charleston is blessed to such fun and dedicated
supporters.
Three generations of Emersons meet Dave Coker, President of both the Fisher House Foundation and the Invictus Games 2016, at the Track & Field event at Invictus Games in ESPN Center, Orlando, Florida.
The Fisher House Foundation sponsors an annual
golf
classic in
Leesburg, Virginia as their single fundraiser each year. This year
the
Fisher House Foundation has chosen to dedicate the entire proceeds
from this
event to the Fisher House Charleston project in Charleston, SC. The
location
of this Fisher House will be 150 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC.
At the
conclusion of this very successful golf tournament the Foundation
declared
that this year’s event raised $680,000+ and broke their record on
the live
auction items. The entire project is estimated to cost over
$10,250,000
including the land.
The Fisher House Foundation was founded over 25 years ago. The
primary
purpose of any Fisher House is to provide free lodging for the
families of
wounded soldiers being treated at nearby Medical Centers located on
federal
lands. The Fisher House Charleston will serve the families of the
Lowcountry
from Myrtle Beach, SC to Savannah, GA. This area encompasses 22
coastal
counties which serves more than 50,000 veteran families.
There were over 200 golfers and many sponsors who contributed to
the
fabulous success of this fundraiser. There were many volunteers who
spent
untold hours in preparation for this day. All of them turned out to
make
this special day seamlessly successful.
Thank you Fisher House Foundation for all you have done and will
do
shortly for our Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Fisher House
Charleston
and all of the veteran families it will serve.
Lowcountry Giving Day is a 24-hour period of
celebration
of the
work of our local Lowcountry nonprofit organizations to be held May
3, 2016.
With each dollar donated to Fisher House Charleston through
text.gives/fisherhouse or through www.lowcountrygivingday.org, a
matching
gift will be provided by a very generous catalyst donor. Double each
dollar
you give to help make Fisher House a reality by donating through
Lowcountry
Giving Day. Schedule your donation today! Make a difference for our
veterans
and their families during their time of need!
Last year, over $6.7 million was raised for a variety of
nonprofits to
help the Lowcountry become a better place to live, grow, create and
learn.
This year, more than 350 nonprofit organization are participating,
we expect
more donors and gifts than ever before.
Lowcountry Giving Day is making it simpler than ever for donors
and
nonprofits to engage. Donations can now be received through a simple
text
message.
A simple new way for donors to give. Donors simply text
‘FisherHouse’ to
33923 or visit text.gives/fisherhouse or www.lowcountrygivingday.org
and
select ‘Fisher House Charleston’ to make your donation to be matched
by our
catalyst donor.
Together we can better serve the needs of those from Horry
County to
Savannah who call the Lowcountry home, including our veterans and
their
families during their time of need.
#lowcountryunite
Architect, Skip Wallace, with co-founder Durbin Emerson, examines the historic stable at 150 Wentworth St. This initial trip was extremely fruitful in planning renovation ideas which includes creating much needed storage space as well as creating a library or interpretive space to include historic books on Charleston and the Lowcountry. We hope to receive the first conceptual drawings within a few weeks. There will inevitably be modifications, but these drawings will be the basis of an exceptional space for our veteran families.
Ever wonder how Fisher House’s started? Take a
look
at
the
Fisher House Foundation history book, with photos and stories of
Zachary and
Elizabeth Fisher, families, and managers from the last 25 years.
Fisher House Charleston can’t wait to be apart of this history
book.
Our very own Trux and Durbin Emerson, Founders of
Fisher
House
Charleston, eagerly accepted the invitation to the christening of
the USS
Ralph Johnson in Pascagoula, Mississippi on April 2, 2016.
Ralph H. Johnson died in the Vietnam War at age 19 in the US
Marine
Corps as he heroically smothered a hand grenade with his body to
save his
comrades and his Company. He was awarded the Medal of Honor
posthumously.
Our Veterans hospital here in Charleston is named after Ralph
Johnson a
native son of Charleston.
Also in attendance of this momentous occasion was: Mrs Helen
Johnson
Richards, sister of Ralph H. Johnson; The Honorable Roger Wicker,
United
States Senator, Mississippi; Vice Admiral Ted Branch, USN;
Lieutenant
General Ronald Bailey, USMC; and keynote speaker, The Honarable Sean
Stackley.
The March 30th Grand Strand Reception in Myrtle
Beach
for Fisher
House Charleston was a success. Thank you to Col. Larkin and Lani
Spivey for
opening their beautiful home! Special thanks to Deanna McClary for
the seeds
she and Clebe planted to make this possible. We also would like to
acknowledge Fred and Dianne Kane for their big hearts and their
willingness
to step up to help spread the word about the need for a Fisher House
in
Charleston. And to Trux and Durbin Emerson for their devotion to
bringing
the first Fisher House to South Carolina. A majority of the Veterans
and
their families who will use Fisher House Charleston, once it’s
built, will
be from the Grand Strand and Beaufort areas. Let’s get this house
built! To
contribute, log on to www.fisherhousecharleston.org
A committee is being formed under the leadership of Fred Kane
for a golf
tournament to be held this Fall in the Grand Strand area to benefit
Fisher
House Charleston. For more information, email Fred Kane at
fkanesc@gmail.com
Mary Anne Aimar of the James Island Yacht Club
will
be
participating in the Kentucky Derby Marathon (26.2 miles) in
Lexington KY on
23 April 2016. She is running in support of the Fisher House
Charleston. She
is asking that you support her and the Fisher House Charleston by
pledging$1, $3 or $5 per mile. Pledge sheets will be available at
the bar at
the Yacht Club. You may write a check to Fisher House or charge your
pledge
to your bar tab.
Fisher House Charleston, which is close to begin construction,
will
allow the families of Veterans of the Armed Forces and Merchant
Marines a
place to stay while their loved one is treated at the Ralph Johnson
VA
Center in Charleston. Your donation will show our Veterans that you
appreciate their service to our country and their sacrifice.
Show your support of Mary Anne as she runs for Charleston’s
first Fisher
House. Please share her commitment and dedication in her endeavor.
Stay tuned for information on the James Island Yacht Club’s 2nd
Annual
Fun Run and Golf Cart Rally Poker Run benefiting the Fisher House
Charleston
scheduled for May 21, 2016
Durbin Emerson, Co-Founder of Fisher House Charleston poses next to our new sign at 150 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC. This will be the location of the Fisher House Charleston. This Fisher House will be the first Fisher House in South Carolina and will serve the families of our veterans from Myrtle Beach, SC to Savannah, GA. There are an estimated 55,000 veteran families in this region. Fisher House Charleston will save veteran families an estimated $1,000,000 per year in lodging costs going forward.
The Scottish Society of Charleston generously donated $2,500 and invited Fisher House Charleston’s founders, Trux and Durbin Emerson, to make a presentation at the annual Robert Burns Supper. The goal of Fisher House Charleston is to raise $4.5 million to acquire and prepare a property in Charleston for construction of a Fisher House to accommodate families of patients at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center.
With the amazing Fisher House Charleston Veterans
Day
Celebration we are dubbing the “Miracle at the Marriott”, along with
the
$100,000 donation from residents of Bishop Gadsden, more than
$17,000 raised
from Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and the amazing efforts of our 3rd
Fisher
House Charleston Golf Tournament, we have had an INCREDIBLE past few
months!
Please join me in sharing the following stories of our success
and/or
images of the Veterans Day Celebration on your own social media as
we get
the word out to encourage the pubic’s support of our efforts to
build SC’s
first Fisher House in Charleston. Please “Like” our Facebook Page:
“The
Fisher House Charleston” to be able tag our page in the post. And
use the
hashtag #FisherHouseCharleston and the website www.FisherHouseCharleston.org
to encourage contributions through our website.
With almost $3 million raised so far, we are SO CLOSE! We hope
to wrap
up our fundraising efforts with the 2016 FIsher House Golf Classic
to be
held May 2nd in Leesburg, VA with all proceeds benefiting Fisher
House
Charleston. It is our hope to make that event as successful as
possible, so
if you know companies who want to be aligned with Fisher House and
receive
incredible sponsorship opportunities, please contact me. We want as
many SC
corporations to be engaged as possible, so please let me know if you
have
connections. I’ve attached the sponsorship brochure outlining the
details.
The links to recent news articles are below:
Pictures from the 2015 Fisher House Charleston
Veterans
Day
Celebration:
Images sized for social media in link below. They can be
downloaded or
shared on Facebook or other Social Media.
All images are now available. Feel free to share this link with guests and friends:
And with the launch today of the #Sing2Salute
social
media
campaign by Walmart now through December 22, you can help Fisher
House
Foundation received $1.5 Million in support for all Fisher Houses.
Details
on how to participate are here: Link
Here.
Lastly, we have a contribution of 100 posters to encourage
public
support of our efforts to compliment the billboards in the outlying
areas by
promoting our website. Please let me know if you have a prime
location to
hang a poster or are willing to help distribute to downtown
Charleston
retail businesses, restaurants and barber shops – anywhere with good
traffic!
‘Tis the Season for generosity in support and appreciation of
our
Veterans and their families!
Sandy
Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community in
Charleston,
South
Carolina: November 10, 2015. These are all the veterans living at
Bishop
Gadsden. Several have served this great nation in three wars: WW2,
Korea and
Vietnam.
The entire community has chosen Fisher House Charleston as their
sole
choice for their annual charity drive. As a result they presented
FHC with a
check for $100,000. Since that day they have donated a total gift of
over
$115,000.
We thank all of the Bishop Gadsden community for their
passionate
support of Fisher House Charleston.
CHARLESTON, SC – November 25, 2015, Fisher House
Charleston is
one step closer to making the building at 150 Wentworth Street a
reality.
Donations from local organizations and an annual event raised more
than
$600,000 in just the last month.
“To say we are overjoyed would be an understatement,” said
Durbin
Emerson, Co-Founder of Fisher House Charleston, a facility that
provides
free housing for families of patients at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical
Center.
“We believe passionately in this project and the money raised in the
last
month is helping the organization get that much closer to serving
the needs
of veterans’ families.”
Bishop Gadsden residents recently raised $100,000 at their
annual
fundraiser, and elected to make Fisher House the recipient.
On Veterans Day, the Fisher House Charleston held their annual
ball, and
its live auction generated more than $500,000 in donations.
Meanwhile, Phi Gama Delta fraternity at the College of
Charleston chose
to raise funds for the Fisher House during an annual donation drive.
After a
week of events, they presented Fisher House Charleston with a check
for more
than $17,200. Skyler Patrick, President of Phi Gamma Delta, noted:
“This was
the most money we have ever raised. We wanted to donate to the
Fisher House
Charleston because we believe in their organization and are happy to
help
them reach their goal.”
The Fisher House Charleston project will provide a comfortable
refuge
for families of patients at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center.
Fisher
House Charleston will relieve the burden of costly hotel stays so
that
families can focus on what is really important: visiting their
family member
in the hospital and not having to sleep in their vehicles or in the
patients
hospital room.
The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, located in historic
downtown
Charleston, is one of the most highly rated VA hospitals in the
country. The
Ralph H. Johnson serves more than 4,500 veteran inpatients annually
from 22
coastal counties from Myrtle Beach, SC to Savannah, GA. Charleston
is a
beautiful tourist-welcoming location—with that comes high dollar
nightly
accommodations. Not all visitors to Charleston are on vacation and
can
afford vacation rates.
Friends of Fisher House Charleston, P.O. Box 1678, Charleston, SC 29402-1678
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