Over the past five years, the 4 the Wounded 5k, hosted by the UVA Foundation, has raised over $515,000 and become one of the largest footraces in the region. From 2011 - 2014, the sole beneficiary was Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that helps injured military personnel return from duty to lead productive and healthy civilian lives. For those who are severely wounded, this is very challenging and their needs are significant. In 2015, based on feedback received from the community, the 4TW5K Planning Committee donated a portion of the funds raised to a number of non-profits also supporting wounded veterans and/or military personnel living in the Charlottesville area. After meeting specific financial, oversight, and programmatic requirements, three organizations were chosen by the Grants Sub-Committee: Project Healing Waters-Fly Fishing, Living Free - Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, and Green Dogs Unleashed.
This year, the race will expand its local reach by supporting six additional organizations and allowing sponsors, donors, and registrants to designate their funds to either Wounded Warrior Project OR non-profits supporting the local military community.
We are pleased to announce the following 2016 4TW5K Grant Recipients :
This year, the race will expand its local reach by supporting six additional organizations and allowing sponsors, donors, and registrants to designate their funds to either Wounded Warrior Project OR non-profits supporting the local military community.
We are pleased to announce the following 2016 4TW5K Grant Recipients :
Wintergreen Adaptive Sports
Now in its 12th year, Wintergreen Adaptive Sports' Wounded Warrior Program provides instruction in skiing, snowboarding, canoeing, and kayaking for all active duty and veteran service members with combat injuries or disabilities. Learn more at wintergreenadaptivesports.org/wounded-warrior
Operation First Response
Since 2004 OFR has served over 13,000 of our nation's Wounded Heroes/Disabled Veterans and their families with personal and financial needs. Services are provided from the onset of injuries or illness, throughout their recovery period and along their journey from military life to the civilian world. Financial aid varies as each case is based on individual needs ranging from rent, utilities, vehicle payments, groceries, clothing, and travel expenses. Learn more at operationfirstresponse.org
Living Free
Sponsored by Chestnut Grove Baptist Church and the American Legion Post #74, Living Free’s Fearless and FOCUS support programs are designed to guide military families and couples as they rediscover their purpose and envision a future for themselves. Learn more at livingfree2gether.org
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing
Founded in 2005, PHWFF is dedicated to the physical and psychological rehabilitation of injured active-duty military personnel and veterans with disabilities through the therapeutic and rehabilitative benefits of fly fishing, patience and relationship-building. Learn more at projecthealingwaters.org
Wildrock
A new nature center in Crozet, Wildrock retreats will build on the restorative benefits of social support, free play, physical activity, and nature connection. Serving families experiencing challenging events such as deployments, losses, or illness, the On Solid Ground program will seek to provide a joyful respite from stress, a chance to bond with family members, and an opportunity to access helpful information and resources. Learn more at wildrock.org
Dr. George Christ - UVA Health System
Advances in medical technologies since World War II mean that more and more soldiers are surviving extraordinary injuries sustained on the battlefield. However, many of these injuries caused by explosive devices – such as lost limbs and severe burns – are disfiguring and debilitating. Dr. George Christ is leading UVA's efforts to develop therapies that will regenerate muscle tissue and restore these patients to a normal life. Known internationally for his work in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and muscle physiology, Dr. Christ is part of the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine (AFIRM), a consortium of public and private institutions partnering with the federal government to help soldiers wounded in combat, and a professor of biomedical engineering and orthopaedic surgery at the University of Virginia. Watch Dr. Christ's 2015 TEDxUVA presentation on his regenerative medicine research.
In additional to the organizations listed above, sponsors and race participants may also choose to support warriors nationally via Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP seeks to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world. Learn more about their programs and services at woundedwarriorproject.org
The 6th annual race will take place on Saturday, June 4 at the UVA Research Park. Participants may register online through May 31. Race day events include an all‐terrain (on/off road) 5K, kids fun run, and a post‐race expo with food, beverages, music, and an awards presentation for the top finishers.
The 6th annual race will take place on Saturday, June 4 at the UVA Research Park. Participants may register online through May 31. Race day events include an all‐terrain (on/off road) 5K, kids fun run, and a post‐race expo with food, beverages, music, and an awards presentation for the top finishers.
