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Go Daddy will match donations made to the Semper Fi Fund "dollar for dollar" up to a total of $1 million, it was reported recently. The Semper Fi Fund provides financial assistance to injured members of the US Armed Forces and their families while in recovery. Go Daddy’s support for the fund will be made through the “Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation”.
"We are taking fundraising to support injured members of our military to an all-new level -- we're making it insanely simple for people to help this vitally important organization," explained Go Daddy founder and Executive Chairman Bob Parsons. "Our veterans, from each and every branch of our military, deserve to come home to a support system that reflects how much we appreciate and respect the sacrifice they and their families have made for our country ... for all of us. If you can't give a lot, give a little, no amount is too small ... we'll match it and together we will definitely make a difference."
Go Daddy’s fundraising efforts are leveraging the celebrity status of Danica Patrick, a NASCAR driver and official “Go Daddy Girl”, alongside Sprint Cup team owner Tony Stewart. To provide added coverage Ms. Patrick will drive two cars showing donation messages in Phoenix and her Nationwide and Sprint Cup Chevrolet cars will show a logo designed to promote the Semper Fi Fund program.
Go Daddy has produced a number of ways members of the public can participate in their fundraising project, including their “Round Up for Charity” program, where those purchasing Go Daddy services "round up" the cost of services to the next dollar and the additional amount is donated to charity. Direct donations can be made through the “8th annual U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Salute” at GoDaddy.com.
"The Semper Fi Fund hits home for us because we know how dedicated our armed forces are," explained Renee Parsons. "These men and women are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice ... we believe we owe our veterans the utmost respect and support and we think our fellow Americans will join us in this important cause. It's a simple process and every donation, large or small matters."
"Our military veterans and active troops alike have been enjoying Bob's Marine Corps Birthday video card for years, it's become part of our tradition," added Karen Guenther, Founder, Fund President and CEO at Semper Fi. "What's so moving about this donation program is its inspirational aspect. This is more than cutting a check and shaking a few hands, this is about rallying people together, making it easy for the entire community to donate what they can and have that amount doubled instantly."
"These veterans and their families face some challenging circumstances," explained Danica Patrick. "I'm fortunate to have a sponsor who, time and time again, demonstrates its caring heart and soul. It feels good to be part of something this special. I can tell you, when Bob and Renee put their minds to something, there's no stopping them."
"NASCAR fans are some of the most patriotic people you will meet," added Tony Stewart. "I think Danica's Cup car promoting the matching donations program will not only bring attention to this worthy cause, I think it's also something fans will rally around. The fact Bob and Renee, along with Go Daddy, initiated this effort to support our brave military veterans says a lot about them and their organizations."
Bob Parsons is a former U.S. Marine who was decorated in the Vietnam War receiving a Purple Heart, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and the Combat Action Ribbon. He built Go Daddy after studying at the University of Baltimore as part of the G.I. Bill. The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation started in 2012. "The Semper Fi Fund hits home for us because we know how dedicated our armed forces are," explained Renee Parsons. "These men and women are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice ... we believe we owe our veterans the utmost respect and support and we think our fellow Americans will join us in this important cause. It's a simple process and every donation, large or small matters."
