Midway Foundation, Awards $696,000 in Grants to local Non-Profits

The Midway Foundation today awarded $696,000 to 33 non-profit organizations that serve active-duty military personnel and their families, veterans and first responders. Midway officials were joined by actors Ed Skrein and Luke Kleintank as well as director Roland Emmerich of Lionsgate’s new film, MIDWAY, in support of the grants.  “We are honored that Midway and Lionsgate are joining forces to honor the legacy of those who serve and sacrifice for our nation,” said Midway president and CEO Mac McLaughlin. “It’s critical that we support the needs of active-duty personnel, veterans, and first responders today and equally critical that we preserve their legacy of service.”  The “Pillars of Freedom” grants range in size from $5,000 to $90,000 and support a wide array of projects and programs ranging from support for wounded veteran housing to human trafficking. This marks the fourth year that the Foundation has made grants. This year’s grants total 23 percent more than the $565,000 the Midway Foundation awarded last year to organizations serving veterans, active-duty military families, and first responders. More than 80 percent of the funds will go to local organizations. The USS Midway Museum’s vision is to become recognized as America’s living symbol of freedom. These grants support that vision by supporting the protectors of freedom abroad and at home. “These funds will support our efforts that help thousands of victims and families that are impacted by human trafficking here in San Diego,” said Jeff Wohler, The San Diego Harbor Police Foundation’s board of directors’ chairman. “Additionally, funding will be utilized to bring a better life to children at Grace W. Perkins Elementary School where 40 percent of the student body is homeless. We couldn’t be more appreciative of the generous donation from the USS Midway Foundation.” Overall, $312,500 will go to youth/family; $133,000 for therapy and counseling; $100,000 to food; $85,000 for housing; and $68,500 for employment and safety programs. Recipient agencies representing local, regional, and national efforts include: 2019 Pillar of Freedom Grantees:

• ASYMCA-Camp Pendleton, Active Duty
• ASYMCA-San Diego, Active Duty
• Big Brothers/Sisters, Active Duty
• Blue Angels Foundation, Veterans
• Center for Children, Active Duty
• Chula Vista Veterans Home Support, Veterans
• Fallen Officer’s Fund, First Responders
• Feeding San Diego, Active Duty/Veterans
• Habitat for Humanity, Veterans
• Horse of the Sun Ranch, Veterans
• Housing on Merit, Veterans
• Interfaith Community Services, Veterans
• Jewish Family Service, Active Duty
• MCRD Museum Foundation, Active Duty
• Navy Helicopter Association, Active Duty
• Navy Safe Harbor Foundation, Active Duty
• New Children’s Museum, Active Duty
• REBOOT, Veterans
• San Diego Food Bank, Active Duty/Veterans
• San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, First Responders
• San Diego Police Foundation, First Responders
• SD MOM, Active Duty
• SEAL Family Foundation, Active Duty
• STAR PAL, First Responders
• STEP, Active Duty
• Tailhook Educational Foundation, Active Duty
• United Through Reading, Active Duty
• USO, Active Duty
• Vet CTAP, Veterans
• Veterans Village, San Diego, Veterans
• WAVE, Active Duty/Veterans
• Wreaths Across America, Veterans
• Zero8Hundred, Veterans

Congratulations 2019 Grantees!