Fundraising Groups Benefit from Their Involvement with Wreaths Across America


No other national nonprofit organization gives back so much for so little, as Wreaths Across America. Volunteers across this great nation provide testimony to support that claim day after day as they work together to remember our fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach younger generations the value of freedom. 

Rhonda Culbert is a Fundraising Group Coordinator for Wreaths Across America supporting Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Pennsylvania. 

“My father is buried at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery,” Rhonda disclosed. “I participated in the wreath ceremony there two years ago, and we were able to place one on his grave. I looked into it and found out more about the organization and the fundraising opportunities. I thought it would be a great community service project for our students.” 

As a Fundraising Group, Rhonda receives $5.00 back for every $15.00 veteran’s wreath they get sponsored for National Wreaths Across America Day. Pine Grove Area H.S. SADD Program (Students Against Destructive Decisions), Varsity Club, and JROTC all benefit from the fundraising group’s proceeds. 

“Aside from the fundraising aspect of our involvement with Wreaths Across America, the students get a lot out of it by participating,” Rhonda explains. “Out of the 405 wreaths we had sponsored, we placed 65 grave specific requests and took pictures of the students placing the wreath. We sent those to families who couldn’t be there to participate in person. What the kids took away from that personal experience made me proud to participate.” 

The money they’ve received back from Wreaths Across America as part of the fundraising program has been put to good use. SADD was able to bring a speaker to the school to talk about addiction, a free breakfast for senior citizens in the community was hosted, and this year, six JROTC students will be supported for their trip to Normandy in June for the observance of the anniversary of the D-Day landings. In fact, Rhonda tells us those students will miss their high school graduation in June, so they’ll celebrate with a ceremony in France. 

The students also produced an informational video based on their experiences which they have shared with members of the school board and the greater community. They’ll be using it in their fundraising efforts this year leading up to National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. We’re sharing it with you here in this post. 

Thank you, Rhonda, for your leadership and illustrating the value of the teach portion of the mission. You can hear more from Rhonda in the “What’s Your Why?” special volunteer features airing on Wreaths Across America Radio.