Dedham Man's Charity Event Aims to Assist Injured Veterans

Photo Credit: Stairs4Troops.com

In an effort to give back to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, one Dedham man has organized a special charity event geared toward helping one severely wounded soldier build a home.

Matthew Appel, a graduate of Dedham High School, will host the first ever “Stairs4Troops” event on Sunday, Oct. 4, at Harvard Stadium.

“I feel immense gratitude for their sacrifice and unselfishness,” Appel said.

After a few years of contemplating a plan to show appreciation for America’s veterans, Appel and a group of friends decided to take action. Their goal is to raise $430,000, which is the average cost of building one home in Massachusetts for a severely injured veteran.

Those who take part in the event will climb the stairs of Harvard Stadium. There are 37 sections consisting of 30 steps. Particpants can climb one or all 37 sections.

“It is a great workout, which hundreds of people do on a weekly basis,” Appel said.

The funds from this event will be donated to support the building of a home for Sgt. Christopher Gomes, 54th Engineer Battalion, who lives in New Bedford.

“Homes for Our Troops,” a nonprofit organization building specially adapted, mortgage-free homes nationwide for the most severely injured veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, will use the event’s proceeds to help build the home.

The non-profit works to help restore some of the freedom and independence our veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives.

Sponsorships are available for all 37 sections of the stadium in addition for the overall event. Sponsorships are also available for the food, drink and activities of the day.

Appel and group organizers hope to create a recurring event that will make a difference in the lives of veterans each year.

Event co-founders include: Bailey Buchanan, Elena Laird, Lauren Corkery, Steve Powell, Steve Lynch, Maryanne Blake, Danielle Delmonico, Chris Ward

Click here to register for the event>>>