Good Samaritan and Mortgage Company CEO Partners With Veterans Non-profit to Rescue Fundraising Event

Heartwarming stories about citizens who step up to help others can sustain us during stressful times. And there’s no doubt that 2020 has been a stressful time; for veterans, everyday citizens and business owners alike.

Last month, the veteran focused nonprofit organization, 22Kill, was forced by the threat of COVID-19 to cancel its annual gala, during a time when fundraising is more important than ever before. 22Kill was founded in 2014 by a small group of Marines, who created the 22 Pushup Challenge as a way to raise awareness of the tragic figure of 22 servicemembers who die by suicide each day, as reported by the Veterans Administration in 2012. Over the years, the nonprofit has grown into a mental health organization that provides direct clinical and peer support services to Veterans, First Responders and family members.

22Kill’s annual gala normally hosts hundreds of guests who bid on auction items in an effort to raise funds for traditional and non-traditional mental wellness programs for veterans, first responders and their families.

Fortunately, Mike Kacor, CEO of Accelerate Mortgage learned about the situation and set out to save the fundraising event, by offering his private home as a venue for the gala.

It’s safe to assume that not many corporate leaders would open their homes to hold a “mini gala”, but this Kacor didn’t want to see veterans and first responders lose the chance to receive essential therapies, during a time when they need it most. He graciously hosted the event at his residence, and Accelerate Mortgage offered to match the donation amount of the gala’s proceeds. Between the gala and the matching funds contribution, $50,000.00 was raised for 22Kill’s cause.

Both organizations hold the betterment of lives for veterans as a primary goal and founding principle. Accelerate Mortgage’s mission is to provide guidance regarding the home buying and refinancing process to all Americans, but especially to veterans. The particular needs of veterans is a priority for Mike Kacor and his team.

Similarly, 22Kill’s stated mission is:

“To create a community that raises awareness and combats suicide by empowering veterans, first responders, and their families through traditional and non-traditional therapies.”

The pandemic has put all of us under exceptional stress but very few are immersed in conditions as traumatic as those who serve their country. We owe a great debt to those who give of themselves in such necessary service to others, and supporting their mental health is a worthy cause.

Sara Compton, General Counsel of 22Kill, is a widow of a United States Marine who died by suicide in 2014. Compton commented on Accelerate Mortgage’s successful rescue of the threatened fundraiser:

“I cannot fully express our sincere gratitude for the amazing contribution and effort to support 22Kill and our mission.  I’d like to again offer my sincere gratitude and tell you how excited we are to partner with such an amazing organization run by people with true hearts to help the Veteran and First Responder community.  Every single person we met last night was just wonderful, and truly a testament to what a great service Accelerate Mortgage offers.”