One might ask, what is the Fisher House? It’s a program under the direction of the Fisher House Foundation that operates a network of comfort homes where military and veteran’s families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment.
These homes, which are built and maintained by fund raising efforts in communities all over the nation, are located at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room.
Founded by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher in 1990, the Fisher House program has saved military and veteran’s families an estimated $282 million in out of pocket cost for lodging and transportation.
Here on the Emerald Coast, a Fisher House was built and opened in Eglin Air Force Base in 2010. In addition to numerous fund raising events, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast’s main fund raiser is their annual Fairways for Fisher House Golf & Gala. This year, the golf tournament was at Kelly Plantation in Destin, and the Gala was held at the Bayview Club on Eglin AFB.
“Once again, our fund raising efforts were a success at the Golf & Gala,” said Fisher House of the Emerald Coast Executive Director Kim Henderson. “We were honored to have military veteran Aaron Hale speak to our guests. Aaron unfortunately was terribly injured and blinded in an explosion while on active duty. While Aaron was receiving numerous medical treatments, he and his family stayed multiple Fisher House locations, and most recently at ours. Aaron definitely gets how invaluable the Fisher House is for military families. He is an amazing man and we’re proud that we have been able to be of assistance in his life’s journey.”
Guests, both military and civilian, enjoyed an evening with dinner, entertainment and a silent auction to raise funds for the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast. For further information, visit www.fisherhouseemeraldcoast.org.
