A group of about two dozen runners helped American Hero Wishes Inc., a Berks County nonprofit, raise funds for wounded veterans by participating in a 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run held at Pagoda City Brewing in Reading on Sept. 22.
“The atmosphere was full of energy, camaraderie and patriotism,” American Hero Wishes President Brianne Houck of Birdsboro, said in a statement.
The response was extremely positive, she said.
“The weather was perfect for a run and all participants finished smoothly,” she said.
For several runners, including her father, Glen Houck; sister Courtney Raneiri;; and 8-year-old nephew, Max; it was their first 5K.
“They all enjoyed it and had such a feeling of pride upon crossing the finish line,” Houck said.
The 5K course began at Pagoda City Brewing, ran around Schlegel Park, then followed along Thun Trail to a turnaround point, and returned to Pagoda City Brewing.
“I hope participants gained a sense of pride, not just from completion of the race but from supporting our country’s wounded veterans through American Hero Wishes,” Houck said. “I always want to promulgate a sense of American pride too when American Hero Wishes holds events, and I hope that was imbued to all who were present.”
After the run, complimentary refreshments included a choice of one beer (for those 21 and older). Awards were presented to the top 5K runners.
“Many of our participants received either a trophy or a medal,” Houck said. “Announcing the names of the winners, seeing my nephew Max hand out the medals, and seeing the genuine smiles on everyone’s faces certainly was a highlight for me.”
“Several participants and sponsors already commented that they are looking forward to the event again next year; and it’s one that American Hero Wishes certainly looks forward to hosting again!” she added.
Including runners, sponsorships and donations, the event raised more than $1,400, which will go directly to benefit wounded veterans.
“My board members and I work without remuneration,” Houck said. “I always want transparency in our organization as to how donations are utilized because I want participants, donors and sponsors to have security and peace of mind as to what their monies are allocated toward.
“We at American Hero Wishes have a mission that supersedes us as individuals. It’s one that we strongly advocate for and put our hearts into.”
Granting wishes
The 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run raised funds toward granting the wishes of wounded veterans.
“The inspiration for this event was that I, myself, am a lifelong runner and always enjoy participating in races, particularly when they benefit a notable cause, and I can contribute,” Houck said. “The purpose of the event is to fundraise for our future wounded veteran recipients’ wishes.”
A veteran herself, Houck attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point after graduating from Daniel Boone High School in 2002. She served in the Army from July 2002 until health concerns discontinued her military service in 2005. During her service, she received the National Service Medal.
Her USOA Ms. Pennsylvania 2022 platform Operation Helping Our Heroes was dedicated to the men and women who have served and are serving in the military.
From that platform, American Hero Wishes came to fruition. She established it as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2022 to grant the wishes of veterans who were wounded either physically, mentally, or both while serving.
“The purpose of granting a wish of a severely wounded veteran is to uplift them and encourage them in moving on to their next mission in life — whatever that may be,” she said.
Supported by donations and fundraisers, the nonprofit works throughout the year to build the funds necessary to fulfill a veteran’s wish.
The organization’s first wish, a custom-built shed, was delivered to a State College area veteran in October 2022. The second wish, a custom-built greenhouse, was delivered to a Quakertown veteran last September.
This year, American Hero Wishes is giving back on a larger scale by contributing to another nonprofit organization that supports veterans — K9s For Warriors. American Hero Wishes donated a dog-washing station to support K9s For Warriors.
“Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly-trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With the majority of dogs being rescues, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery,” states the K9s For Warriors website, https://k9sforwarriors.org/.
“Their mission is to abate the number of veteran suicides by ensuring those who need service dogs get them and that the dogs are trained accordingly and ready for their mission,” Houck said. “The trained dogs are adopted from local animal shelters, which, in many cases, saves them, too.”
On Oct. 23, Houck will be in San Antonio dedicating the new dog-washing station at one of the headquarter sites of K9s For Warriors.
“On behalf of American Hero Wishes, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported our fundraiser run,” she said.
She would like to thank event sponsors Kowalski Consulting Services, Scoupe DeVille Ice Cream Parlor and Redner’s Warehouse Markets.
“Their support made the difference with this first run event,” she said.
Houck would also like to thank Chandler Lodge #227 of Berks County for their donation to help bring the dog-washing station to fruition for K9s for Warriors.
“We are grateful beyond words for their generosity!”
To make a donation or nominate a wounded veteran, visit American Hero Wishes on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/americanherowishes.org and on Instagram at americanherowishes.
