BEDFORD, NH — Swim With A Mission said it raised more than $2.6 million during a three-day 10th anniversary weekend that brought together more than 10,000 attendees, 365 swimmers, 400 business leaders, Navy SEALs, veterans, Gold Star Families and supporters.
The Bedford-based nonprofit said the weekend capped a decade of fundraising.
Swim With A Mission has raised more than $21 million in total to support veterans and their families through services that include mental health care, suicide prevention, housing assistance, service and support dogs, career transition programs, scholarships and emergency support.
The anniversary weekend began July 10, with the 8th Annual Paintball With A Mission at OSG Paintball in Barnstead.
According to the organization, 32 corporate teams representing more than 400 business leaders took part in the event, which it described as the highest-grossing charity paintball tournament in the USA. The nonprofit said participants were guided by Navy SEALs and learned leadership, communication, trust and teamwork before competing in the tournament.
On July 11, the group held the 10th Annual Swim With A Mission at Newfound Lake.
The organization said 365 swimmers took part in 1K, 5K, 10K Individual and 10K Team Relay races while swimming alongside Navy SEALs in honor of veterans. It said the event continued raising funds through peer-to-peer fundraising.
The weekend concluded July 12, with Mission 250: Honoring Our Heroes at Tuscan Village in Salem.
According to Swim With A Mission, the free event welcomed more than 10,000 attendees throughout the day. The organization said visitors met Navy SEALs and veteran leaders, connected with more than 40 Veteran Service Organizations, viewed military displays, listened to live music, saw a classic car show and took part in family activities before an evening fireworks tribute.
"When we started Swim With A Mission 10 years ago, we simply wanted to make a difference in the lives of Veterans in New Hampshire," Phil and Julie Taub, co-founders of Swim With A Mission, said. "What started as a simple idea has grown into something far greater than we ever imagined, thanks to an incredible community of supporters, sponsors and volunteers who have embraced this mission. Seeing thousands of people come together this weekend to celebrate America's 250th Birthday, our 10th Anniversary, and most importantly our Veterans, was truly inspiring. The $2.6 million raised will provide critical support to programs that improve the lives of Veterans and their families for years to come."
Swim With A Mission said it will continue with upcoming events including Ride With A Mission and Run With A Mission.
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Bedford, NH Patch
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