Tell My Sons...Charity Goals

One of the things Mark and Kristin decided before the book “Tell My Sons” even left their hands to go to the printers was to discuss what to do if the book made money.  They don’t expect it, but they wanted to plan for it.  Mark discusses his struggle with the subject during a Q&A with the Rosemount Town Pages, and concluded that something “bigger than self” needed to be the end result.  The book explains that 50% of the proceeds are going to be used for charity, so this pages gives some explanation of our thinking so far.

Faced with unemployment or death (whichever comes first), Mark decided that his sense of purpose and "mission" must continue.  His goal is to empower and inspire those who are facing adversity with a challenge, not charity.  Two organizations that embody this philosophy heart-and-soul are The Mission Continues and Outward Bound. 

The Mission Continues (pun intended in Mark’s case) is a national-based non-profit founded in 2005 that focuses on post-9/11 veterans who are transitioning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan – many of whom are struggling to find new purpose in their lives.  The Mission Continues motto is also their charge to these veterans:  “It’s not a charity.  It’s a challenge.”  Veterans apply for a 6-month service Fellowship with a non-profit organization of their choice.  The goal is to transition from military life into a meaningful career, continued personal educational growth, or continued ongoing roles of service within their communities.  Fellows are paid a $900 per month stipend, which is where 85% of donations go.  

Outward Bound (Voyageur) is the Minnesota branch of Outward Bound.  Their mission is to inspire character development and self-discovery in people of all ages and walks of life through challenge and adventure, and to impel them to achieve more than they ever thought possible, to show compassion for others and to actively engage in creating a better world.  More specifically, Mark is going to focus his efforts at Outward Bound to help fund courses for youth that are facing extraordinary adversity and where finances are a barrier to entry.  (At the same time, he’s going to encourage veterans to find a new sense of purpose and mission by helping these youth gain perspective on life.)

Mark and Kristin also intend to set up endowment programs at Cretin Derham Hall JROTC Program  (Mark’s alma mater), and Rosemount High School Swim Team for the swim team (the school that all three boys attend or will attend) – two schools and two programs that do a remarkable job with our kids and most embody the philosophy of empowering and inspiring those who face hardship. 

The goal?  $100,000 each.  Sounds like a lofty goal, and this family has never done it before, but it’s no more lofty than surviving and successfully fighting and coping with terminal cancer for over two years.  Join us in spreading the message of Tell My Sons – you’ll get a great read and we’ll accomplish something truly remarkable in the process.