Veterans & Military

Matching Hope for Paralyzed Veterans: Help a Hero Radiothon

About the Project

In a heartfelt show of support, Thomas J. Henry pledged to match dollar-for-dollar every donation—up to $50,000—during the 2016 San Antonio Help a Hero Radiothon, benefiting the Paralyzed Veterans of America. His matching gift energized the campaign and amplified local fundraising to assist veterans living with spinal cord injuries and disabilities.

Personal Matching Pledge

Local paralyzed veterans—service members navigating the physical, emotional, and logistical challenges of recovery and reintegration.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)—a national nonprofit with local chapters, dedicated to advocacy, rehabilitation, and support services for veterans with paralysis.
The South Texas community, whose generosity was doubled through the matching pledge to deliver more immediate aid to veterans.

To honor Veterans Day by leveraging celebration into support for those who sacrificed the most.
To multiply the impact of every donation, ensuring community contributions go further with every matched dollar.
To bolster local services and outreach provided by PVA to veterans with spinal cord injuries.

Thomas J. Henry’s matching commitment demonstrated how strategic philanthropy can transform community goodwill into meaningful, tangible assistance.

Matching Challenge: Thomas J. Henry committed to match every dollar raised during the 2016 Help a Hero Radiothon—up to $50,000—doubling the campaign's potential reach.
Media Partnership: The Radiothon broadcast live on iHeart Media’s Ticket 760 (AM) on November 10, featuring powerful stories of veterans and encouraging listeners to give.
Incentives for Donors: Donors contributing $100 or more received a commemorative T-shirt designed by a paralyzed Marine Corps veteran, adding meaning and visibility to their support.
Local Impact: The campaign helped ensure that funds raised—and matched donations—stayed local and went directly to veterans in need.

This impactful pledge:

Doubled local fundraising, providing more resources for rehabilitation, adaptive services, and veterans' wellness programs.
Elevated community awareness around the needs of paralyzed veterans and the importance of inclusive support.
Reinforced local commitment by ensuring that gifts remained in the community, where they could create real, sustained impact.