February and Love

February is known as the month of love, and we adore all that we are working on this month in support of our families. We will soon be launching a new page and program with our scholarship sponsor for Gold Star students. Both will provide academic support as well as virtual opportunities.  Additionally, we are preparing to launch a page solely for our spouses that will provide further insight and assistance geared towards supporting them in a variety of areas such as with their career endeavors and benefits. These opportunities are needed for our families as they find their new footing in life and plan for their future. A wonderful example is seen with our recent Coaching Scholarship Recipient, Erica Brophy. I hope you will read Erica’s story and how she is giving back to our community.

We are also, thrilled to share our new Ambassador Program in conjunction with Sugar Bear’s Virtual Memorial Run. This new program and event are especially important to me because both will help us grow our mission, impact our families, and support Marines and I know Sugar Bear would love that!  We hope you will reach out to Admin@thesugarbearfoundation.org if you would like to take part in the Ambassador Program or provide another means of support.

As always, I appreciate you taking the time to read about our work, the Gold Star community, and letting us share the life of our hero.

Thank you,

Jennifer Carazo
Chairman and Gold Star Wife

Happy Holidays from the Sugar Bear Foundation

However you are spending this season, The Sugar Bear Foundation would like to wish you Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas. We hope you and your family are healthy and well and we look forward to sharing more updates in the coming year. 

 Thank you,

Jennifer Carazo
Gold Star wife and Chairman

Giving Tuesday - Giving Thanks

This Tuesday, December 1st is Giving Tuesday - A day that focuses on supporting various causes and organizations. We hope you will consider The Sugar Bear Foundation when making donations.

You can see a list of our programs and opportunities below which illustrates our work and commitment to Gold Star spouses and children. Our programs and services focus on career, educational, and financial initiatives. We do so because these were areas that Sugar Bear deemed as vital for the Marines and Sailors he served alongside and because they are needed. We consider our educational and career opportunities to be building blocks to an individual’s future. A game-changer if you will. They can literally transform the course of a Gold Star spouse or child’s life and we are working to extend these opportunities.

Four months ago, we launched our Financial Assistance Program for Gold Star spouses. Since its inception, we have paid medical bills, rent, car repairs, and power bills to mention a few. We continue to receive inquiries from spouses in need and we are dependent upon the grants and donations we receive to support this and our other programs. 

I would like to take this opportunity to also say thank you for the incredible support we have received. I personally feel blessed and grateful for the opportunities we are gaining to give back to these deserving families. I know Sugar Bear would share my sentiments. As always, please reach out if you have an idea or would simply like to get involved. All assistance is greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Jennifer Carazo,
Chairman and Gold Star wife 

Gold Star Financial Assistance Program Update

As the holidays are quickly approaching, this is usually a time of great joy and festivities for many. We at the Sugar Bear Foundation recognize that many of our Gold Star families are struggling financially which can leave an insurmountable burden on them. This year, due to an amazing outpouring of generosity from our supporters, we were able to launch our Financial Assistance Program for Gold Star spouses. In the last few months, we have been able to assist with medical bills and regular monthly challenges. We continue to receive inquiries into this program from spouses in need. Some have been impacted by COVID and others simply need assistance due to unforeseen circumstances.

Losing a spouse in service to our country changes these families' lives forever and we are working to help make this path a little more bearable. This holiday season we want to take some needed steps by providing more assistance so they know that we truly recognize their sacrifice and help them start to reveal that new path. Any financial support you can offer the Sugar Bear Foundation and the Gold Star families we serve is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Jennifer Carazo
Chairman and Gold Star wife