2023 Run4Life
An Event to Support Veteran Suicide Awareness
September 24, 2023
Over 22 military Veterans die by suicide each day. Sadly, another 200,000 annually make the attempt. On September 30, 2023, Foundation Vice-President and U.S. Army Veteran, Command Sergeant Major Steve Curtis (retired), Veteran and Board Member Richard H. Schmidt, and supporters will participate in a 5K Run/Walk to bring awareness to the tragedy that is Veteran suicide.
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The 5K (3.1 mile) walk or run is sponsored by the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation to raise awareness and funding to honor our fallen military members and support military families in the name of Run4Life and selected sponsors. The fundraiser will benefit the education of military children, spouses, service members and Veterans. Net proceeds will support the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation Scholarship Fund, which awarded qualified applicants $12,000 in tuition assistance last year. This year, the foundation will also donate a portion of the proceeds to Veterans Moving Forward which provides service dogs and canine therapy services to Veterans in need.
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Interested runners and walkers are asked to join us at 8:00 A.M. at the Little League/Patten Academy Memorial Park parking lot in Patten, Maine, for a scheduled event start time of 9:00 A.M. Alternatively, Americans are welcome to participate online virtually.
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Foundation Founder and President Peter Fertig believes “Americans can join in unity to create and spread awareness about Veteran suicide prevention.”
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Hope must be brought to living Veterans and their families. The foundation’s ongoing mission is to acknowledge and support the sacrifices made by service members, Veterans, and their dependents. As a part of this commitment, the foundation is proud to provide financial support for education and build greater awareness for important Veteran causes.
Peter Fertig founded The Bob Feller Act of Valor Award with the support of the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, Major League Baseball, the Cleveland Guardians, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the gracious consent of Mrs. Anne Feller, the San Diego Padres, and the family of Jerry Coleman.
Visit www.actofvaloraward.org to learn more about the Foundation.