84 Lumber associates and Fisher House representatives attend the dinner at the Fisher House in San Antonio
EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. (Sept. 17, 2019) – Last Thursday, 84 Lumber officially kicked off its partnership with Fisher House Foundation by hosting dinner at several Fisher Houses across the country. The dinners, which were catered by local restaurants, were held in tandem at houses in Pittsburgh; Boston; Las Vegas; St. Louis; San Antonio; Bethesda, Maryland; and Charleston, South Carolina. 84 Lumber sponsored the events to give guests at each house an opportunity to have a fresh meal after spending time visiting loved ones at a nearby military or VA medical center.
“These families are going through a lot, so giving them something simple like a hot meal can go a long way,” said Amy Smiley, vice president of marketing at 84 Lumber. “The last thing they should have to do after returning from the hospital is cook. If we’re able to shoulder some of those responsibilities for them so they have more time to relax or take care of other things, we’re honored to do so.”
Fisher Houses have provided free temporary housing to 368,000 military and veterans’ families since the program’s inception in 1990. There are currently 84 houses across the U.S. and Europe, with several more under construction.
Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites that include private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a dining room and a living room. Since it began, the program has saved families an estimated $451 million in out-of-pocket costs for lodging and transportation.
Earlier this year, 84 Lumber donated $25,000 to Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House and announced an additional $500,000 donation to Fisher House Foundation to be applied over the next three years. The funds will be used to help build new houses across the country.
“Fisher House Foundation appreciates the generous support from 84 Lumber and their employees,” said Ken Fisher, chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation. “When a loved one is undergoing medical treatment, having family nearby is critical to recovery. The men and women of 84 Lumber understand that and are dedicated to helping us provide ‘homes away from home’ during this critical time.”