Largest Grant in the History of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation awarded a five-year $3 million dollar grant to the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation – the largest grant ever received – to perpetuate the legacy of the Medal of Honor and promote the American values embodied in the medal.
“This is the most generous gift any one donor has given to the Foundation, and it’s fitting this occurred around Veterans Day,” says Major General (Retired) Karl R. Horst, president and chief executive officer of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. “This grant allows us to perpetuate the legacy of the Medal of Honor and support the Recipients as they inspire America’s youth.”
The grant is specifically designed to expand the Character Development Program to 12 states. The program is an educational resource for teachers to provide students with opportunities to learn how the six values embodied in the Medal of Honor (courage and sacrifice, commitment and integrity, citizenship and patriotism) are essential to living a values-based life.
“This is a unique opportunity to take inspiration from the character traits embodied by Medal of Honor winners and re-instill a strong sense of civic leadership among our youth,” said Penelope McPhee, President, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. “We are proud to play our part in helping the next generation learn from the stories and lives of veterans, who have given us all so much.”
Formed in 1995, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation promotes innovative solutions to transform the lives of youth and their families, seeking results that move communities beyond what seems possible today. The Foundation invests in education, parks and greenspace, youth development, community redevelopment, and the arts, and leads giving programs for each of the Blank Family of Businesses, including the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, PGA TOUR Superstore, Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, and West Creek Ranch. Mr. Blank, chairman of the Foundation, co-founded The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, in 1978 and retired from the company as co-chairman in 2001. Through the foundation and his family’s personal giving, Mr. Blank has granted more than $425 million to various charitable organizations.
“As one of America’s leading philanthropists, Arthur Blank’s patriotism is a shining example of serving those who serve. Our nation’s heroes – Medal of Honor Recipients and all Veterans – represent values that are vital to American society. Investing in the character development of the next generation must be a national priority,” said Horst.
For more information about The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, visit www.blankfoundation.org or follow on Facebook @BlankFamilyFoundation, Twitter @BlankFoundation, and Instagram @BlankFoundation.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation was founded by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Its mission is to perpetuate the legacy of the Medal of Honor and support the objectives, programs, and activities of the Society. The goal of both organizations is to inspire Americans about the six values embodied in the Medal of Honor. Currently, there are 71 living recipients of the Medal of Honor. More information can be found at http://www.cmohs.org/.
