Raising funds for wounded veterans, Berks County nonprofit American Hero Wishes Inc. will host a 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run at Pagoda City Brewing in Reading on Sept. 22.
“The proceeds from this event will go towards ensuring veterans, who not only served our country but sustained a lifelong trauma, know they are remembered and revered for their selfless sacrifices. American Hero Wishes is dedicated to uplifting and venerating wounded veterans across the U.S.,” said Brianne Houck, president of American Hero Wishes.
A veteran herself, Houck attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point after graduating from Daniel Boone High School in June 2002. She served on active duty in the Army from July 2002 until health concerns discontinued her military service in August 2005. During her service, she received the National Service Medal.
Her USOA Ms. Pennsylvania 2022 platform Operation Helping Our Heroes was dedicated to the men and women who have served and are serving in the military.
She established American Hero Wishes as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2022 to grant the wishes of veterans who were wounded either physically, mentally, or both while serving.
“The purpose of granting a wish of a severely wounded veteran is to uplift them and encourage them in moving on to their next mission in life — whatever that may be,” she said.
Supported by donations and fundraisers, the nonprofit works throughout the year to build the funds necessary to fulfill a veteran’s wish.
The 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run held at Pagoda City Brewing in Reading on Sept. 22 will raise funds toward granting wounded veterans’ wishes.
“The inspiration for this event was that I, myself, am a lifelong runner and always enjoy participating in races, particularly when they benefit a notable cause, and I can contribute,” said Houck. “The purpose of the event is to fundraise for our future wounded veteran recipients’ wishes.”
Registration opens at 8 a.m. at Pagoda City Brewing in Reading. The Fun Run, open to all ages and abilities, begins at 8:45 a.m. followed by the 5K at 9:30 a.m. The course starts at Pagoda City Brewing, runs around Schlegel Park, then follows along Thun Trail to a turnaround point, and returns to Pagoda City Brewing.
After the run, complimentary refreshments will be provided by Pagoda City Brewing. There will be a choice of one beer (for those age 21 and older), soda or water.
Awards will be presented for the top 5K runners. Awards will not be presented for Fun Run participants. T-shirts are available while supplies last. The cost to participate is $34 for all entries. Register in-person on the day of the race or online until Sept. 17 via the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1239688013695301?ref=newsfeed.
“I hope participants gain a better understanding of what American Hero Wishes’ mission is and a sense of pride, like I have, in helping to make a positive, substantial impact for our nation’s wounded veterans. And, I hope everyone has fun!”
The organization’s first wish, a custom-built shed, was delivered to a State College area veteran in October 2022. The second wish, a custom-built greenhouse, was delivered to a Quakertown veteran in September 2023.
American Hero Wishes encourages everyone who knows a wounded veteran who could benefit from a wish-granting project to submit a nomination. The veteran nominee can be located anywhere in the U.S.
To make a donation or nominate a wounded veteran, visit American Hero Wishes on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/americanherowishes.org and on Instagram at americanherowishes.
Source: Berkshire mont
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