Indiana American Legion Family Raises $66,000 for Transplant-Related Expenses

COTA Highlights Success Story in 17-18 Impact Report

Bloomington, Indiana — October 29, 2018 — The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is the recipient of more than $66,000 raised by The American Legion, Detachment of Indiana that will be used to give transplant-needy kids and teens in The Hoosier State a second chance at life.

Throughout the past year, American Legion Posts, Units, Squadrons and Riders sponsored golf outings, cooked spaghetti suppers, laughed and were entertained by karaoke contests, shined their chrome for car shows and undertook many other fundraisers to contribute life-saving dollars to local or statewide COTA fundraising campaigns. In Indiana, Sons of The American Legion (SAL) Past Detachment Commander, DeWayne “Dewey” Long raised more than $66,000 to help Hoosier transplant families.

Part of Dewey’s amazing fundraising success was a challenge he initiated with his fellow Indiana SAL members that he would shave his head if the state was able to raise more than $64,000. He surpassed that initial goal just prior to Sons of The American Legion, Detachment of Indiana Fall Conference, which was held earlier this month.

“COTA’s fundraising suggestions have a proven track record here in Indiana,” Dewey said. “We have used all those and a couple more to raise more than $66,000 for Hoosier COTA kids. It has been helpful to have a COTA family at our events because if anyone has specific questions the family can answer them. It works and it is gratifying knowing it is making an impact for these kids!”

The American Legion Family has been one of COTA’s national supporters for nearly three decades. Nationwide, Legionnaires are a powerful network of COTA Miracle Makers who are helping to remove many of the financial barriers facing transplant families.

“As one of COTA’s longest and most ardent supporters, The American Legion Family continues to give hope to transplant families across the country, said Rick Lofgren, COTA President. “Since launching its commitment to giving kids and teens a second chance at life, this large and influential group of COTA Miracle Makers has contributed more than $1,000,000 to COTA and to COTA community campaigns.”

COTA is proud to highlight The American Legion, as well as other Miracle Makers, in its just-released 17-18 COTA Impact Report.

About the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA)

COTA is the largest organization dedicated to helping families with transplant-related expenses, and providing fundraising assistance to community volunteers across the country. COTA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization so funds allocated are not considered income for families. Since 1986, more than $110 million has been raised across the country for thousands of children and young adults needing an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant.

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Fundraising for Transplant-Related Expenses

COTA can help remove the financial barriers to a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support.