November 1, 2025
Dear Friends of the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc,
As I sit down to write my first annual appeal letter as the new president of the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc, (CTNGFI) I want to take a moment to recognize my predecessor. This year Chris Mackenzie retired as a board member and president of the CTNGFI. For well over 10 years, first as Director and then President, Chris dedicated countless hours and energy to making the CTNGFI relevant and responsive to the service members and families of the Connecticut National Guard. Because of his hard work, the CTNGFI can be proud of it’s record of awarding over $1.9 million dollars in grants and scholarships. Chris, thank you very much!
I now turn my attention to you, and ask you to help me continue the fine and noble work that Chris began. That record of awarding over $1.9 million dollars would not be possible were it not for the generosity of donors like you.
A month ago, I did not think I would be saying this, but our general fund is suffering. The federal government shut-down is taking its toll on our Connecticut National Guard service members and families. Everything from service members not being paid when they drill, to federal employees considered essential and must work, but are not being paid – our members are struggling. Since October 1, the start of the shut-down, we have experienced a significant increase in requests for help. Many of our members are suffering, and need your help!
Can you imagine counting your last dollars, trying to decide what matters most – keeping the lights on, or buying a few groceries to get through the week – and having to make that same painful choice, week after week.
This is the situation that many of our service members and military families are facing.
When you make a contribution to the CTNGFI you join a special community of donors dedicated to ending the suffering of our members and families in need. Your gift will make a positive and practical difference in lifting up service members and their families, who are suffering. Your gift to our general fund will be used to help support our members suffering with such needs as weekly care and emergency relief, food assistance, rent or mortgage payments, utilities, home health care and medical expenses.
Your donation, no matter how large or small, could be the lifeline to our military families and service members who have nowhere else to turn. Please make this special difference – a life-sustaining difference for many – by sending your contribution today to the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc.
In addition to the impact that the federal government shut-down is having on our members, overseas deployments are also taking their toll. For 2025-2026, over 1,000 CT National Guard members are deployed around the world. Because of these deployments, we have seen an increase in requests for help – not only for monetary assistance, but also for food and gift cards.
With such a large number of service members deployed, we anticipate that this year’s Operation ELF Holiday Party will be especially large, requiring many more toys and gift cards than normal, for the families of those deployed members. If you are not able to make a monetary donation, won’t you consider making a donation of gift cards and/or toys to Operation ELF? This year Operation ELF will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
In order for us to assist these families, we need your help. Our hope is to continue to support our Guard family as long as the need exists, but we cannot do it alone. We need your help. Contributions can be made by check, credit card, PayPal, and Venmo. You can donate by check or credit card, by using the enclosed reply card and envelope, or for PayPal by going to our website at www.ctngfi.org and clicking on the “how to help tab” and then the donate button. To donate by Venmo use our account name: @ctngfi. If you are using Venmo, please be sure to provide your name, address and/or email and cell number for proper acknowledgement of your donation.
This is the season for giving thanks ... and in that spirit, thank you for all you do for our Foundation. Please send your most generous gift today.
Sincerely,
Michelle McCarty
President
P.S. If you are age 701/2 or older, have you considered making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA to the Foundation? For those over 72, such gifts may be counted toward your Required Minimum Distribution for the year. Please also consider including the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc. in your estate plans. Your legacy gift can create a lasting impact and contribute to the long-term well-being of our foundation.
** Before making any estate plans always consult a qualified financial advisor or planner to discuss your particular situation, needs and goals.
