Heroes Athletic Association

12/14/2025

Heroes Athletic Association (heroesathleticassociation.org) was out in full force in Ohio today! We visited Oak Grove cemetery in Delaware, Ohio and helped place 2000 wreaths on Veteran grave stones - SAY THEIR NAME!

Wreath Across America is a great organization! But, they need your support - this cemetery has about 3000 Veterans going back to War of 1812 - sponsor a wreath in 2026 at wreathsacrossamerica.org!

Merry Christmas you magnificent bastards!

Carl

12/02/2025

This morning begins Giving Tuesday. Many non-profit organizations are looking for support.

Heroes Athletic Association has a modest goal to raise $1000.00 in the next ten days to assist our charity. A bonified 501C3, please visit us at heroesathleticassociation.org to learn more about this small charity that directly engages military, Veterans and First Responders.

Our mission centers around adult recreational sports; many years ago we recognized the need to include our Hero population into our local communities. We did that through the recreational programs bringing Service Members, Veterans, Cops, Firefighters and all First Responders together on the field, links, pitch and court. Remember, "hey are you gonna be here next week for the game?" sounds a lot like "be at formation tomorrow morning!" It works.

To date, we have had over 4000 members with zero su***des and along the way, our players have had some great communion on the bench leading to fellow Heroes transitioning into new careers and finding new opportunities. Again, it works.

Healthy Heroes make great neighbors.

Visit our URL at www.heroesathleticassociation.org and make a donation to help us get to our $1000.00 goal to register a team in Texas, Florida or Virginia; we continue to grow thanks to your support!

12/02/2025

Are you ready to support Heroes Athletic Assiciation on GIVING TUESDAY at heroesathleticassociation.org?

Facilitating successful Hero-transition by creating community relationships through sports "VICTORY Together!"

10/22/2025

To all Veterans out there, the good news about Veterans support is below:

Pass it along!

07/04/2025

07/04/2025

Book today at stayriverbend.com

07/04/2025

Always proud to be an American.

Happy Fourth of July.

Please visit www.heroesathleticassociation.org!

05/26/2025

Today, we recognize those who gave their lives in the service of our nation. It is a solemn day for many of us who served because our lives were touched by someone who didn't come home.

The best way to honor someone you lost is to remember them and say their name, not just today but every day.

Be well America.

04/27/2025

Read this on LinkedIn posted by Heather Herlong. Thanks Heather!

Why Many Nonprofits Fall Short at Fundraising Events

After coordinating hundreds of nonprofit events, I've noticed a pattern in why so many organizations struggle to hit their fundraising targets. Here's what's happening:

Nonprofits often focus on logistics while overlooking the emotional connection that drives giving. Your gorgeous centerpieces won't compensate for a weak case for support.

The biggest missed opportunities I see:

1. Storytelling that lacks impact. Donors need to feel the urgency and impact of their potential gift - not just hear statistics.

2. Rushed planning cycles. Successful events require 6-12 months of strategic preparation, not 90 days of panic.

3. Treating all donors equally. Your $10K prospects deserve a different experience than your $100 donors.

4. Weak follow-up strategy. The event isn't the finish line - it's the starting gun for relationship development.

5. Neglecting to activate board relationships. Your board members should be your best ambassadors, not just table fillers.

# # The Donor Experience: What Really Matters

The donor experience goes far beyond a single event - it's the complete journey your supporters take with your organization. This starts with their first impression and continues through every interaction, acknowledgment, and impact update they receive.

Exceptional donor experiences create emotional investment by:

• Making supporters feel seen and valued as individuals, not just wallets
• Creating meaningful touchpoints before, during, and after events
• Demonstrating tangible impact that connects directly to their contribution
• Offering appropriate recognition that aligns with their personal preferences
• Providing exclusive insights into your mission's progress and challenges

# # # Building Lasting Donor Relationships

The most successful nonprofits understand that fundraising events are relationship accelerators, not one-off transactions. Building these relationships requires:

• Understanding donor motivations through genuine conversations, not assumptions
• Creating personalized stewardship plans for different giving levels
• Involving program staff in donor communications to share frontline stories
• Establishing consistent, value-added touchpoints throughout the year
• Inviting meaningful engagement beyond financial contributions
• Making follow-up as thoughtful as the invitation

Organizations that master the donor experience transform occasional event attendees into passionate, long-term supporters who give more, give repeatedly, and bring others along.

What fundraising event challenges is your organization facing this year?

02/07/2025

Another great day for a Heroes Athletic Association member. Colonel (Retired) Jose Olivero is a new Hall of Famer. Please take a gander at this media advisory attached to read all about this American Hero and wonderful athlete.

Congrats Jose on being inducted into the Long Island Metro Lacrosse Hall of Fame!

01/30/2025

Friends - this morning, we woke up to a tragic accident in the nation's capital. Many of our fellow Heroes were either involved in the accident or are currently working at the crash scene i.e. First Responders.

As the volunteer executive director for Heroes Athletic Association, I would hope you take a few minutes to think about their families and loved ones in this difficult time.

Please keep a good thought for all.

01/19/2025

Being a member of Heroes Athletic Association has many great moments. One those happened just recently.

Chuck Allen who has been an HAA member since 2000, had a special honor as his family was honored at the White House on 3 January where Chuck's my uncle was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Pvt. Bruno R. Orig, was one of seven U.S. Soldiers from the Korean and Vietnam Wars to receive the Medal of Honor and was posthumously recognized and honored for his acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty during enemy contact on Feb. 15, 1951, near Chipyong-ni, Korea, while serving in Company G, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. You can learn more about his amazing accomplishments and sacrifice at the following link. https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/orig/

Chuck remarks, "We are still in awe and humbled to have been part of the White House event on 3 Jan and the Ft Myer Conmy Hall 4 Jan event, on behalf of my uncle PVT Bruno Orig and fellow great American soldiers who did unique acts of valor and sacrifice. "

Chuck shared with me that his 91-year-old Aunty Loretta was contacted about the honor about 14 days before the ceremony. She called Chuck, a retired Soldier, to see if this was REAL. It was and this lovely lady flew in from Hawaii under the care of the Army, to accept the MOH on behalf of her brother Bruno.

Chuck and his great Army family have been part of HAA and my very good friend for over two decades. I am so pleased that he was able to be there and support the legacy of service in his family.

We need more great military families, and the entire universe needs "super heroes," like Private Orig!

(Heroes Athletic Association member, Chuck Allen and his lovely wife, Elia are on President Biden's left).

Victory as One, Allen Family.