Local wounded warrior non-profit earns award from Newman's Own

Local wounded warrior non-profit earns award from Newman's Own

Bandera County Courier

By Contributed

09.27.12

Bandera County-based "The Moonlight Fund" recently received the Fisher House-Newman's Own Award for their work with wounded soldiers.

Co-founded in 1998 by Henry F. Coffeen III and Celia Belt, the fund operates to improve the lives of burn and blast survivors. It also extends benefits to their families.

The award was given jointly by The Fisher House Foundation, Newman's Own, and Military Times (Gannett Government Media Corporation).

Only six charities from across the US were chosen at the awards ceremony.

General Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman, Joints Chiefs of Staff, delivered the keynote address. The ceremony was held at the Pentagon on Thursday, Sept. 20.

The Moonlight Fund garnered the top award from a total of 164 entries.

The prize included a $25,000 grant, and a bust of Paul Newman with a gold medallion reading "2012 Newman's Own Award, The Moonlight Fund."

While the fund offers many services, its retreat program has become its "shining glory and also the program that caught the eye of the judges," said Belt. The retreats, often held in Bandera County, have a profound and lasting impact on the participants, many of whom return as volunteers.

The fund currently provides services to burn and blast patients at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.

For more information, contact Belt at 210-445-0971, or email at celia@moonlightfund.org, or check the website at www.moonlightfund.org.