Bob Woodruff Foundation Answers Call to Do More for Veterans - Bob Woodruff Foundation

Bob Woodruff Foundation Answers Call to Do More for Veterans

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As the nation pauses this Veterans Day to thank those who have served, the Bob Woodruff Foundation is calling on corporate leaders to consider doing more for post-9/11 injured service members, veterans and their families.

And according to a recent study, Americans are too.

“Americans feel strongly that we owe it to our veterans to help them after they’ve served; however, they feel equally strong that not enough is being done,” said Bob Woodruff, the ABC news correspondent who co-founded the Bob Woodruff Foundation after he was critically injured by a roadside bomb while reporting from Iraq.

The study, conducted by the Bob Woodruff Foundation and JWT, found that 88-percent of Americans do not believe that companies and brands are adequately supporting veterans. Yet 80-percent would applaud those who help, just as much as they would the veterans themselves.

“There is a real opportunity here for companies to attract consumers and elevate their brand while making a difference,” said Anne Marie Dougherty, executive director of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. “For example, brands like PepsiCo, and Veterans on Wall Street, a consortium of financial firms are taking action to support our nations veterans, and people are taking notice.”

Yet the perceived shortfall doesn’t rest only with businesses. Despite there being more than 46,000 nonprofits serving veterans in this country, many Americans believe charities have also neglected to meet the needs of those who serve.

Eighty-four percent of those polled would gladly help out—they are simply seeking an easy way to do so—and just need someone to take the lead.

“The key,” said Dougherty, “is cutting through the noise to find and fund the most innovative and efficient programs. Our goal is to take the guesswork out of donating, by doing the due diligence for our donors to ensure that funds are used effectively.”

Since 2006, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has invested more than $22 million in finding and funding programs across the country. It has reached more than 2 million injured service members, veterans and their families in three key areas: Education and Employment; Rehabilitation and Recovery; and Quality of Life.

“We know Americans are willing and ready to do more for veterans,” said Woodruff. “The question we must ask ourselves is who is ready to lead the way?”

To answer this call to lead with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, visit www.BobWoodruffFoundation.org.

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About the Bob Woodruff Foundation:

The Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) is the nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring injured service members and their families are thriving long after they return home. A national organization with grassroots reach, the Bob Woodruff Foundation complements the work of the federal government —diligently navigating the maze of more than 46,000 nonprofits providing services to veterans—finds, funds and shapes innovative programs, and holds them accountable for results. To date, BWF has invested more than $22 million in public education and solutions, reaching more than 2 million service members, support personnel, veterans and their families. The Bob Woodruff Foundation was co-founded in 2006 by award-winning anchor Bob Woodruff and his family, whose own experiences inspired them to help make sure the nation’s heroes have access to the high level of support and resources they deserve, for as long as they need it. For more information about the Bob Woodruff Foundation, please visit bobwoodrufffoundation.org.