Frequently Asked Questions for Beauty for the Brave
What's the idea behind Beauty for the Brave?
Beauty for the Brave started as a grassroots effort by concerned women in the Chicago area as we saw the painful reality facing returning wounded troops.
We know American women can help fix any problem once they unite, from breast cancer funding to local community issues. Wounded troops and their families deserve the same type of grassroots support from us. If we each just donated the cost of our favorite beauty treat over a secure website, we could raise meaningful dollars to benefit the wounded.
Isn't this a short term problem?
No! Returning American wounded will be an issue in America for years to come.
Recent statistics show that almost 31,000 troops have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to official Department of Defense data. That figure does not include noncombat injuries, which add an estimated additional 30,000 injured. Ironically, because today's armor protection is so much better, troops are surviving with more grievous wounds than in prior wars. Over 700 of our wounded in Iraq have undergone amputations. Head injuries are even more common. At least 20,000 U.S. service members returning from combat have suffered traumatic brain injury, the "signal" injury of this war. Our wounded warriors will require care far into the future. In addition to their obvious physical wounds, many service men and women are returning with post traumatic stress symptoms.
Why doesn't the government care for these troops?
Explanations abound, but clearly the US government and military system have been overwhelmed by the numbers of returning wounded. This makes it all the more critical that ordinary citizens like us and private efforts like the Fisher Houses unite to help fill the gap.
Why did you choose Fisher House to support?
Fisher Houses, part of the Fisher House Foundation, were started 17 years ago by a philanthropist and patriot named Zachary Fisher. Fisher Houses provide a compassionate home away from home for the families of seriously ill patients being treated at military and VA medical centers. The wounded warrior can go back and forth from the hospital to the homey environment. As Fisher House says, "a family's love is good medicine." There are 38 Fisher Houses up and running. By 2011, the network of Fisher Houses will be 56.
Tell me more about Fisher House?
Typically the houses are 5,000 to 16,000 square foot homes donated by the Fisher House Foundation. Each house has 8 to 21 suites for individual families. Each is professionally furnished and decorated in the style of the local region. The houses can hold 16 to 42 family members. They feature a common kitchen, laundry, spacious dining room, and inviting living room with a library and toys for children. The housing is provided free of charge to guest families. Fisher Houses have now offered more than 2 million days of lodging to more than 110,000 families. Their website, www.fisherhouse.org, will show you locations on a state basis; perhaps you will wish to volunteer at one of their homes!
How do I know my donation will be used properly?
You can be confident that your donation will be put to good and proper use. 100% of dollars given to Beauty for the Brave will go straight to the construction of new Fisher Houses.
Why can't I just give directly to Fisher House?
You can! But if you donate through Beauty for the Brave, you are showing what American women can do to solve American problems like this one. Let's give ourselves some credit! Our female ancestors rallied behind the troops in prior wars with victory gardens, rationing, and even foregoing stockings so parachutes could be made. We can demonstrate this same power today.
Is it safe to make my donation online?
Definitely. Donations are handled by Fisher House through a totally secure server. Your information will be completely protected.
Can I send my contribution by mail rather than donating online?
Certainly. Just click on the Donate Now button, print the donation form, and mail it with your check or credit card information to:
Fisher House (TM) Foundation, Inc.
Beauty for the Brave
1401 Rockville Pike
Suite 600
Rockville, MD 20852
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. Fisher House Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Your donation is fully tax deductible and you will get a receipt.
Will my company match my donation?
Many companies offer matching gift programs for employees who make donations to charitable organizations. Usually these programs match contributions dollar for dollar. Please check with your employer to see if you have a matching gift program that will match your gift to Beauty for the Brave.
Will I be contacted in any other way?
You will not be solicited by us or by any other company. You can correspond directly with the founder, Mary Bishop, over our website if you choose. Otherwise, your information is completely confidential and will not be sold or shared in any way.
Fisher House
- Build homes away from home
- Charity rating of four stars
- 100% of Beauty for the Brave donations go directly to them
- Serve 10,000+ families a year
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