Boot Campaign
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Boot Campaign is a national 501(c)(3) charitable organization with headquarters in [Texas]. It was established in 2009 as a way for five women to show their support for the [States Armed Forces], and was certified as a [organization] in 2011. Funds are raised through general donations, corporate sponsorships, and retail sales of combat boots and branded merchandise. Since its inception, the organization has given more than $12 million in financial assistance to service members, veterans, and their families with housing needs, career and education costs, PTSD/TBI treatment, health and wellness, and urgent living expenses.
Mission
The Boot Campaign mission is to promote patriotism for America and the military community; raise awareness of the challenges service members face during and post-service; and provide assistance to military personnel, past and present, and their families.
History
Tyler, Texas orthodontist Sherri Reuland read "Lone Survivor," Marcus Luttrell's account of Operation Red Wings, and was so moved by the story she recommended the book to four friends. Reuland, Ginger Giles, Heather Sholl, Leigh Ann Ranslem, and Mariae Bui borrowed combat boots for a photo project to show their support for troops and veterans. It was at Country for our Country[1], a military benefit concert in East Texas, when the first celebrity photos were taken, and soon after, requests for pictures taken in combat boots poured in. The founders nicknamed themselves the "Boot Girls" and began shooting pictures of civilians wearing combat boots, including then-governor Rick Perry, asking Americans to "get their boots on" to show their support for the military.
Boot Shoots
The first notable people to pose in combat boots for a photo were country artists Kacey Musgraves and Joe Nichols. After several more celebrity pictures were taken, the photo shoots were nicknamed "boot shoots;" to-date, more than 500 celebrities, business leaders, and political figures have posed in combat boots for the campaign, including Dolly Parton[2], the cast of Sons of Anarchy, Lou Diamond Phillips, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Marcus Luttrell, Chris and Taya Kyle, Eric Roberts, Florida Georgia Line [3], Smokey Robinson, Nancy Grace, and Kathie Lee Gifford.
Retail Sales
Beginning in 2011, Boot Campaign began selling combat boots as a way to further the mission and raise money to support veterans and military families. Retail sales of branded apparel soon followed, and today Boot Campaign maintains an online retail shop as well as a storefront at their Georgetown, Texas office, where the organization sells combat boots, apparel, accessories, and branded gear.
Financials
In addition to required IRS financial filings, Boot Campaign voluntarily undergoes an annual independent financial audit by a third party agency to verify IRS and [[1]] compliance. Current 990 tax filing information can be found on the Boot Campaign website, and updated tax information is released as available.
2014 Financial Breakdown[4]
- Total income: $3,930,678
- Expenses: $650,057 (17%)
- Mission: $2,987,202 (83%)
Recognition
Boot Campaign is listed in three charity monitoring websites: GuideStar, GreatNonprofits, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance. GuideStar first reviewed Boot Campaign in 2011, giving it a Gold rating for commitment to transparency[5]. GreatNonprofits has named Boot Campaign a Top Rated charity annually since 2013, which requires an organization to earn at least 10 four-star reviews each year. Boot Campaign has more than 120 reviews with an overall average rating of five stars[6]. BBB Wise Giving Alliance rates the organization as an "accredited" charity based on its 20 standards for recognition [7]. A fourth notable charity watch dog, Charity Navigator, requires a nonprofit to operate for seven years before a recommendation can be made. Boot Campaign will be eligible for inclusion in 2018.
References
- ^ "Country for our Country Tyler Texas BSCENE Magazine BSCENETV". YouTube. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ "Dolly Parton Straps on Combat Boots for a Good Cause". The Boot. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ "Florida Georgia Line Laces Up Their Boots for the Troops". Country Music Tattletale. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ "Boot Campaign Financial Report". Boot Campaign. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ "Boot Campaign Inc". Guide Star. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ "Boot Campaign, Inc". GreatNonprofits. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ "National Charity Reports: Boot Campaign". Give.org. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
External Links
Official Website
Retail Website
News stories:
- Forbes: Boot Campaign - How Five Women From Texas Raised Millions for U.S. Veterans
- CBS Los Angeles: Actor Rob Paulsen Helps Raise Awareness for Veterans with Boot Campaign
- Fox 7 Austin Care Force: Boot Campaign
- OK TV: The Middle's Atticus Shaffer shares his passion project
- Boot Girls Back the Troops with Novel Campaign
- Boot Campaign Launches Across America to Benefit U.S. Troops And Veterans
- The Boot Campaign to Benefit the Military Veterans of our Country
- Spotlight Country: Cast of Nashville Performs with Joe Nichols to Benefit Boot Campaign