The first Fisher House in Wisconsin was officially dedicated on Saturday, April 23 by Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation, Andrew Roberts, President of Fisher House Wisconsin, and James McLain, Acting Director of Milwaukee VA Medical Center. Rebecca Gunderson, Community Relations Manager for New Holland North America, was on site representing New Holland during the dedication ceremony.
The home was built with funding support from New Holland Agriculture, among other sponsors. New Holland’s contribution of $57,800 was presented at the groundbreaking ceremony in June 2014, bringing the total amount contributed to Fisher House Foundation to over $153 thousand. These funds were raised through the New Holland True Blue Salute program, which provides a discount for military, Veterans, and first responders.
“Fisher House Foundation is proud to have partnered with New Holland to support our military, Veterans, and their families receiving care at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center,” said Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation. “Not all battles are fought on the battlefield. A medical crisis, the most personal battle of all, can attack a loved one unexpectedly at any time. That’s where Fisher Houses have an impact—a home away from home, free of charge, near their loved one’s bedside. New Holland’s generous support helps us achieve that mission.”
The new Fisher House is located at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, and will provide lodging for up to 16 families of Veterans and military at no cost, allowing them to be close to their loved ones during treatment. It is one just one of Fisher House Foundation’s network of 70 comfort homes where military and Veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers in the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. According to Fisher House Foundation, the program has saved military and Veterans’ families an estimated $320 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation.
“New Holland is humbled by the tireless efforts of Fisher House Foundation to provide comfort for the families of our military and Veterans when they need it most,” said Bret Lieberman, Vice President of New Holland for North America. “We are honored for the opportunity to help Ken and the rest of his staff accomplish their goal. Congratulations on your first home in Wisconsin.”