HELP MILITARY FAMILIES LEFT BEHIND: PARTICIPATE IN THE VIECORE FSD GOLF OUTING FOR TAPS
Nonprofit aiding families of our fallen military heroes to receive proceeds of Sept. 14 golf tournament
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 5, 2012
PHOTO AVAILABLE
ABERDEEN, Md. – The Fifth Annual Viecore FSD Golf Outing to benefit the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) will be held Friday, September 14, 2012 at the Ruggles Golf Course at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. Slots are still available for golfers and sponsors.
Funds raised at the event go to support programs helping the families of America’s fallen military heroes through TAPS. The national nonprofit organization offers peer-based emotional support programs, grief seminars for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, casualty casework assistance, grief and trauma resources, connections to community-based care and a 24/7 information helpline.
Sponsorships are available for companies who want to show their support and help the families of our fallen military at the $500, $1,000, $1,500, $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 levels.
The cost to play is $105 per individual ($80 for military/government registrants) and $420 per foursome ($320 for military/government foursome). Information and registration information for golfers and sponsors can be found online at http://www.taps.org/Golf/2012/Viecore/
For more information about the tournament, contact Jeffrey Madretzke/Viecore FSD at 732.759.6327 or jmadretzke@viecorefsd.com.
On average, at least ten people are significantly impacted by each military death. They are mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, aunts and uncles. The need for TAPS services and support has increased significantly since 2001.
Many survivors reach out for care and support in the weeks, months, and years following the deaths of their loved ones who served in the military. On average, TAPS received 54 calls per day in 2011 from surviving families of our fallen military requesting care and support.
For many, TAPS is a lifeline of support amid polarizing and isolating grief. One sister wrote, “TAPS has provided a safe place for me and my family to go to. I have met people who understand what I am going through because they have been there. It has helped me tremendously to have a support group and resources to guide me through this difficult time.”
Funds raised at the golf tournament support TAPS services and programs, which are provided to anyone grieving the death of someone who served in the military, regardless of where they died, or how they died. TAPS received a “Best in America” rating certification from the Independent Charities of America which required TAPS to demonstrate that it meets the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness and cost effectiveness.
TAPS stands ready to support survivors through the years after their loved ones have died. It takes 5-7 years for people to reach a “new normal” following the traumatic death of a loved one. On average, in a given year, TAPS has 32 contacts with each survivor, through the TAPS magazine, invitations to events, anniversary cards and phone calls.
About TAPS
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes and has offered support to more than 35,000 people since 1994. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, seminars for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, casualty case work assistance, connections to community-based care, and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces. Services are provided free of charge. For more information go to www.taps.org.
Photo available: Children of fallen U.S. service members release balloons in memory of their loved ones who died during a TAPS Good Grief Camp program. Organized by the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the camp helps children learn coping skills for dealing with grief and provides a peer support network. The funds raised at the Fifth Annual Viecore FSD Golf Outing will benefit the camp and other programs offered by TAPS to assist anyone grieving the death of someone who served in the military.
Media contact: Ami Neiberger-Miller, Public Affairs Officer, TAPS, 202.588.8277, ami@taps.org
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