Doonesbury Features Fisher House In 2004, cartoonist Garry Trudeau introduced readers of his world-renowned comic strip “Doonesbury” to Fisher House through the story of B.D., a character who, while serving in Fallujah, Iraq, is wounded and has his left leg amputated. A few years later, Trudeau released “The Long Road Home: One Step at a Time,” which follows B.D. along his journey of injury and recovery—from Iraq to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany to the amputee ward at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC, and beyond. Proceeds from this special collection of books: “The Long Road Home: One Step at a Time”; “The War Within: One More
As the long wars in the Middle East ground on, the American public became more aware of the toll they were taking on military families. A host of support organizations had sprung up, and public figures and prominent companies were getting on board. Initially, Fisher House Foundation operated largely under the radar.
Step at a Time”; “Signature Wound: Rocking TBI”; “Mel’s Story: Surviving Military Sexual Assault,” were donated to Fisher House Foundation. Trudeau continues to be a wonderful supporter and friend of the organization.
Explains Foundation Chairman & CEO Ken Fisher, “The reason why is that I didn’t feel I would ever have enough to be able to siphon money off to advertise. I didn’t do direct mail because that was very expensive and very wasteful. Advertising on television was just a dream. One, I couldn’t afford it; and two, even if I could, I don’t believe in spending a dollar to make a quarter.” Eventually, that frugal strategy began paying dividends. With about 95 cents of every dollar donated going to programs— instead of overhead—Fisher House Foundation consistently rated in the very top tier of military charities, and people started to notice. The Indianapolis 500—America’s largest single sporting event—designated Fisher House Foundation its official nonprofit partner in 2008 and 2009. President Obama directed proceeds from his children’s book, “Of Thee I Sing,” to the Foundation’s Heroes Legacy Scholarships program. The building of Fisher Houses continued apace. Even the international community took notice. By 2009, the British Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association had opened
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