It’s time put away the ice bucket. The newest challenge is a singing contest to raise money for two severely- wounded U.S. Marines to buy land where their smart homes will be built, and where they will live close to their families in rural Pennsylvania.
U.S. Marine Cpls. Mark Fidler, of Strausstown, and Tim Donley, of Souderton, are among the most severely wounded military members of the War in Afghanistan. Both young men lost both legs and suffered other injuries after stepping on Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s). Both have been rehabilitating at Walter Reed for nearly three years. Their dream is to find a tract of land large enough to accommodate two smart homes, and allow them enough room to hunt, fish, enjoy the outdoors and help other wounded warriors do the same. The two Marines, fast friends and as close as brothers, need to raise funds to bid on a farm next to Fidler’s father’s home in Strausstown. The farm will be sold at public auction on Oct. 18.
“We are so grateful to the American people for all they have done to help us recover from our injuries. Tim and I can’t thank everyone enough, and especially if they participate in this challenge and help us achieve our dream,” Fidler added. “This has been a long road for both Tim and me, and having this land would mean everything to us.”
Donley, an accomplished singer himself and a member of Music Corps, a group of talented performers who are also Wounded Warriors, will kick off the challenge with his rendition of the National Anthem. “I hope people will not be afraid to sing what is for sure a tough song even for a professional. We are hoping to raise money not just for us, but also for our other buddies who need funds to purchase land for their homes, too,” Donley said.
Here’s how the contest works: Donley will kick-off the Acres for Warriors challenge on Facebook, and challenge others to do the same. Participants can sing the National Anthem as best they can, or they can recite the words and be creative.
Donations can be made regardless of taking the challenge by going to the “Acres for Warriors” page (http://www.gofundme.com/e30luc) on the Go Fund Me web site-www.gofundme.com, or by mailing a check to Amanda Umberger/Acres for Warriors, P.O. Box 1225 , Berlin, MD, 21811. Each donor will receive an acknowledgment, and a chance to meet Cpl. Fidler, and attend a concert with Cpl. Donley in the future. A full accounting of the fund will be posted bi-monthly on the Mark Fidler Support Page on Facebook.
