Houston – The PTSD Foundation of America stopped by Houston Life to share details on its upcoming 14th Annual BBQ Cook Off Fundraiser at Sam Houston Race Park. The event raises money for Camp Hope, a free residential program that provides housing, counseling, and community support for veterans living with post-traumatic stress.
Executive Director of Support and Giving David Maulsby, explained that the foundation’s mission is driven by a critical need. Studies estimate that the country loses dozens of veterans each day to suicide. Maulsby said that if those deaths were happening in a single location, the country would talk about it constantly. Because they happen privately, many people do not realize the scope of the crisis.
Camp Hope brings veterans from across the country into a structured program that helps them process trauma and reintegrate into civilian life. Many arrive with only the clothes they are wearing. The foundation covers housing, food, legal support, and counseling at no cost to the veteran or their family. Maulsby said the goal is to remove every barrier so veterans can focus on healing.
The BBQ Cook Off is one of the biggest fundraisers for the organization. This year’s event will feature more than 55 cook teams, a fall festival market, car show, raffle items, live music and public tasting. Veterans enrolled at Camp Hope even help judge the competition, giving them a chance to connect with the community.
The event is free to attend on Saturday, November 15 and the foundation is still looking for additional cook teams to sign up. All proceeds stay local and support veterans going through the Camp Hope program.
For more information or to make a donation, visit PTSDUSA.org.