American Legion Riders showed charity to fellow Veterans with a donation to the Fisher House
In the heart of Tucson, the American Legion Riders roared on to the Tucson VA medical center campus to present a donation to the Fisher House. Motorcycle riders from various American Legion posts were overjoyed at the bountiful results of their annual fundraising event.
Nearly 60 riders from the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary from around Arizona, with spirits high and hearts full, presented a generous donation of $40,000 from Post 39, alongside Posts 27 & 141 contributing $1000 each and a donation of $2,000 in gift cards from Post 36 to the Fisher House through the CHAMP (Charities Helping American Military Patriots) Foundation. This collective effort represented the enduring commitment of Veterans and their communities to care for one another—a tradition of service that would continue to shine bright in Tucson and beyond.
The impact of their efforts extended beyond the donation itself. Matt Griffis spoke proudly about the CHAMP Foundation, emphasizing its local impact.
"The CHAMP Foundation that we created in 2017 gets folks to donate money and every dime donated stays in Tucson—for whatever they need at the Fisher House,” said Griffis. “If they need something fixed now—refrigerators, washer dryers, food—whatever they need, the money is there for them. Because of supporters like the American Legion Riders and the community, it's just a win-win for everybody."
This was an opportunity to make an impact and pay it forward to not only active duty and their dependents but retirees, Veterans eligible for VA healthcare and their family members.
Army Veteran David Bernheim, fondly known as "B," shared a personal connection. "It means a lot to me because I can't give what was given to my father. My parents are World War II Veterans. My father was combat-wounded, and the Fisher House means a lot to them.
Michael Ramsey, the SAVAHCS Fisher House manager addressed the gathered crowd, his voice filled with gratitude. "We celebrated the 8th anniversary of the Fisher House last month, and we could not do what we do without you and our generous donations from the community. We can't thank you enough. The Fisher House guests can't thank you enough for all the support that you and folks like you provide."
The event was not just about fundraising; it was about camaraderie and honoring the legacy of service. Different American Legion chapters had come together for a noble cause—to support the Fisher House and its invaluable mission. The donations were not just numbers; they represented hope and solidarity for those in need.