Social Media Answers Call to #GIVE2VETERANS
#GIVE2VETERANS Raises $500,000 for the Bob Woodruff Foundation in Honor of Veterans Day from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation
Social media users came together ahead of Veterans Day to show their support for our nation’s heroes by sharing the hashtag #GIVE2VETERANS—and in doing so raised $500,000 for the Bob Woodruff Foundation.
It started with a challenge grant by Love the GIVE, a campaign run by the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, to the Bob Woodruff Foundation. The challenge was to use your social media following as a tool for social good by sharing the #GIVE2VETERANS hashtag. In turn, the Cohen Foundation donated $1 to the Bob Woodruff Foundation for each post up to $500,000.
“We surpassed our target of 500,000 social posts on Veterans Day and I am truly overwhelmed,” said Alex Cohen, President of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation. “Together we raised awareness of veterans issues and helped the Bob Woodruff Foundation make an even bigger difference in the lives of U.S. military veterans and their families.”
The campaign ran October 21 through November 15 and exceeded its goal of 500,000 social posts. #GIVE2VETERANS was ultimately shared more than 691,000 times, and the campaign reached more than 253 million people worldwide.
Working as a team, Love the GIVE and the Bob Woodruff Foundation inspired influencers and celebrities from across the cultural spectrum to contribute to the campaign and increase social engagement around Veterans Day.
Media figures, brands and public officials who participated in the challenge include: Dan Abrams, Christiane Amanpour, American Heroes Channel, Jim Axelrod, Tom Brokaw, Chris Cuomo, Funny or Die, Good Morning America, J. Walter Thompson, National Geographic, Craig Newmark, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Martha Raddatz, Ranger Up, Robin Roberts, Al Roker, George Stephanopoulos, Jake Tapper, Jeffrey Toobin, Greta Van Susteren, WABC 7 New York and NYC Police Commissioner William Bratton.
Celebrities who participated include: Lorraine Bracco, Mark Burnett, Ellen DeGeneres, Roma Downey, Guy Fieri, Jim Gaffigan, Ricky Gervais, Elizabeth Gilbert, Mariska Hargitay, Denis Leary, Bette Midler, Alyssa Milano, Isaac Mizrahi, Jodi Picoult, Pitbull, Conan O’Brien, Brian Regan, Rob Riggle, Bruce Springsteen and Thalia.
Sports personalities who participated include: Jason Collins, the New York Giants, Mark Teixeira and Bobby Valentine.
“This was such a simple way to honor those who’ve served while bringing people together,” said Anne Marie Dougherty, Executive Director of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. “We are extremely grateful to all who helped us reach our goal—but more importantly, for shining a spotlight on our nation’s heroes.”
Founded in 2006, the Bob Woodruff Foundation creates long-lasting, positive outcomes for our nation’s wounded, ill and injured veterans, service members and their families, by finding, funding and shaping initiatives that enrich the lives of these heroes.
An online gallery of #GIVE2VETERANS posts is available for inspiration at www.lovethegive.com/veterans.
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 nearly $30 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.
About the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation:
The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation presents Love the GIVE—a campaign that celebrates the act of giving and encourages everyone to make it a habit. Join the celebration by making a GIVE—big or small. #LOVETHEGIVE
The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation is committed to inspiring philanthropy and community service—with a special interest in children’s health, education, veterans and the arts by creating awareness, offering guidance and leading by example to show the world what giving can do. www.steveandalex.org.
