We all know when we work together the results are generally better, there is a greater sense of accomplishment and an improved sense of community. We could not agree more! We have been blessed to join forces with some incredible partners that have helped us spread our mission, provided opportunities for support and ultimately increased our impact on the families we serve. Throughout our newsletter you’ll see examples of our partners assisting us, helping us grow and supporting our mission of improving the lives of Gold Star families. But there is still more to do, and you can easily join us! Donations, host a fundraiser, speaking opportunities, sponsor an event, take part in our virtual run or reach out to us if you have an idea. It all helps and will make a difference. In doing so, we continue Sugar Bear's legacy of service in a way that would make him happy and is truly impactful.
New Year Means New Opportunities
In July it will be nine years since we lost Sugar Bear. In those first few years after his death, I was honestly only focused on all he was missing and all that the kids and I were missing in our lives by not having him physically present. And then I made a turn, I began to look at these anniversaries in a different light. The focus became more positive. I marked the milestones in terms of living life and less on loss. This outlook only increased with the formation of the Foundation. Now, as each year passes, I celebrate in the successes that our children have found, their happiness and of course, in the growth and impact of our work.
Last year we implemented the RF-LAMBDA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Sugar Bear, which is helping a Gold Star student finish his college degree at a university in Utah. This year, our scholarship partner has increased their commitment to Gold Star students and us by offering an internship program, Science Saturdays and the opportunity to attend a STEM based program in Boston with the RF-LAMBDA team (More information and applications in the next few weeks). Their belief in our mission is allowing us to make not only a greater impact on some deserving young people but also help in shaping the direction of their lives.
Our work with the MCRD Command Museum’s Family Forever program is also growing through the forum series, social outings and gift card program for back to school shopping needs. Our desire has been to assist families in the survivor community with such necessities and we are happy to be doing so.
And we are working on several other initiatives to best serve surviving spouses and children with their career, educational and financial needs. As we grow, so do the opportunities for individuals and communities to join us in our efforts to give back in Sugar Bear’s name. Please contact us if you have an opportunity for an internship at your company or business that could provide valuable experience for a military surviving student or spouse, have a desire to fundraise for us, would like to donate or have a different idea to lend support. We are dependent on such involvement and value any and all opportunities. We are excited for the future and growing our work and mission in honor of our sweet hero. In doing so, we continue Sugar Bear’s legacy of service in a truly impactful manner.
Thank you,
Jennifer Carazo
Gold Star Wife and Chairman
Giving Tuesday - Focusing on Gratitude
This Giving Tuesday we are focused on gratitude. We have had an amazing year and could not have done any of it without the support and opportunities we have received. As a result, we have not only been able to grow our mission but the impact we are making on military surviving spouses and children. We are excited for 2019 and the launch of some amazing programs and initiatives that we know would make Sugar Bear proud.
Thank you,
Jennifer Carazo
Gold Star Wife and Chairman
Support Vs Strength
Since Mario’s death people have told me I am incredibly strong. Although I always appreciate their kind words and encouragement I do not agree with their sentiments. From the day we received that knock at the door, the Marine Corps and our military community has stood with me and my children. They not only conveyed their love and support for our hero, but they have embraced our family and taken this incredibly painful journey along with us.
In the past eight years, I have never felt alone. In fact, it has been quite the opposite. I continue to attend events, ceremonies and spend time with the friends and families Mario served alongside. It is this same support that led me to the opportunity to form The Sugar Bear Foundation. Once again, I am blessed and grateful to have this community not only encouraging me but reaching out and wanting to assist me in our endeavors.
A perfect example of this assistance was seen in July with all the support we received for Sugar Bear’s Virtual Run, especially from so many friends. It was a beautiful and impactful way to honor our hero while giving back to Gold Star families.
One of the main reasons I wanted to form the foundation was to extend the love and support my children and I have received to other survivors. I believe we are doing just that!
In August, along with our partners from the MCRD Command Museum's Family Forever Program, we provided gift cards to Gold Star Spouses for their children’s back to school shopping. Later this month, we will be hosting the first of a three-part forum series for Gold Star spouses to assist them with their educational, career, and wellness needs. These are two examples of us not only providing support but ultimately instilling strength to families who have given so much.
When I look at my life now as compared to eight years ago, I do feel strong. I can carry on Mario’s spirit in a way that would make him happy. The support I have received has defined my life and that is a message I will continue share in the hope of helping others.
