We start this note with very sad news as we share the passing of our good friend and former board member, Steve “Immigrant” Robinson. Steve devoted his whole life to service and his family and we continue to pray for all who have been impacted by his death. He was a hero and true patriot!
As we enter this season of gratitude, we are continually humbled by the generosity of partners and supporters who stand beside our Gold Star and surviving military families in honor of LtCol Mario "Sugar Bear" Carazo.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated sponsor, RF-Lambda, for their ongoing commitment to our families' futures. Their generous support of our recent RF-Lambda Memorial Scholarship recipients and educational programming directly empowers surviving children and spouses to pursue higher education and academic success. Because of RF-Lambda, our students have the resources they need to thrive.
A huge thank you goes out to the J&J Veterans Leadership Council for hosting a remarkable Charity Mess Night fundraiser on behalf of The Sugar Bear Foundation last week! Events like this honor the camaraderie and sacrifice of our military community while raising vital funds that allow us to continue serving our families year-round. We are deeply grateful to everyone who organized, attended, and contributed to making the evening such a meaningful success.
At The Sugar Bear Foundation, we believe education is a cornerstone for building a bright future. Throughout the year, our Programs & Resources provide registered Gold Star and surviving spouses, teens, and children with free access to:
1-on-1 Online Tutoring & Scholarships: Personalized academic support across all subjects.
Virtual College Consulting:
Guidance through the college application, admissions, and financial aid process.Educational Subscriptions: Complimentary access to learning platforms like IXL (covering Math, ELA, Science, and Spanish) and Highlights.
Career & Financial Literacy: Resume scholarships, career mentoring, and financial education workshops to help spouses and young adults achieve long-term stability.
If you are a registered Gold Star or surviving family and haven't taken advantage of these resources yet, please reach out to us at Admin@TheSugarBearFoundation.org to get started!
As the holidays quickly approach, we are preparing to launch our Annual Holiday Gift Card Campaign—and we need your help! The holiday season can be an especially tender time for families missing a loved one. Providing gift cards allows our surviving spouses to purchase groceries, winter essentials, or special gifts tailored directly to their children’s needs.
Every contribution, big or small, sends a direct message to our Gold Star families that their loved one’s sacrifice is never forgotten and that they are surrounded by a caring community. Keep an eye on your inbox and our social channels over the coming days for details on how you can donate or sponsor a family!
Thank you for walking alongside us and keeping Sugar Bear’s legacy of service, love, and leadership alive.
With deepest gratitude,
Jennifer Carazo
Gold Star Wife/President
