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Dec
3
8:00 PM20:00

Growth Group - “Going Back to Work: Getting the Support You Need”

This event will be held at 8:00 pm EST/5:00 pm PST on Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Rachel Kodanaz is a heart-minded professional specializing in current and relevant approaches in support of individuals and workplaces following a loss or trauma. She is a best-selling author, seasoned keynote speaker and a business consultant. She began her career serving in management of Fortune 500 companies, overcoming her own adversity following the sudden death of her husband while raising a 2-year-old. She was immediately confronted with the see-saw created when personal and professional trajectories collide, giving her the opportunity to provide invaluable insights about loss to Human Resources departments. Rachel was instrumental in launching HeartLight Grief Center in Denver, CO including the development of programs, facilitating support groups and serving as the Executive Director. She also co-founded the Grief Network Alliance in Denver which provides a networking platform for grief-related professionals. She has served on numerous grief-related board of directors including TAPS and Soaring Spirits International and has published numerous articles, blogs, podcasts and has appeared on Good Morning America. Her books include best-selling Living with Loss One Day at a Time, Finding Peace, One Piece at a Time: What to do with your and a loved one’s personal possessions and Grief in the Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide for Being Prepared.

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Jan
7
8:00 PM20:00

Growth Group - “Finding Joy Again”

This event will be held at 8:00 pm EST/5:00 pm PST on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025.

Sade Ariyo was widowed suddenly 14 years ago, with twin teenagers at home. She is a wellness coach and has been building community in her local area as a Regional Social Group Leader for Soaring Spirits International since 2013. She now serves as the Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the non-profit. Her passions are people, connections, community, outdoors and fun- all of which come together in her work and in life. Becoming a widow definitely threw her off balance for a while, but she believes there is room for joy in our lives no matter what.

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Feb
4
8:00 PM20:00

Growth Group - “Working and Widowed: Creating Your Own Business”

This event will be held at 8:00 pm EST/5:00 pm PST on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025.

Jenny Sellers is the creator of True North Empowerment, a holistic wellness practice which aims to help people find the path to their own True North after large life events through various healing modalities. Jenny’s journey with creating her own business in energy work began after the sudden death of her fiancé, Coll, in 2014. In an instant, what she believed about the world shifted dramatically and she began searching for answers. Taking a deep dive into spiritual studies after her sudden loss, she stumbled into the comfort, peace, and joy that accompanies her work as a Reiki Master and Intuitive Transformation Coach for both individuals and businesses. Skeptic turned believer, Jenny now loves sharing her knowledge about the energy that exists outside of what we can physically see, hear, touch, and sense through virtual and in-person Reiki sessions, Angel or Tarot Card readings, Astrology readings, and Spiritual Coaching sessions online.

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Nov
12
8:00 PM20:00

Growth Group - “Creating a Career You Love After Loss”

This event will be held at 8:00 pm EST/5:00 pm PST on Tuesday, November 12th, 2024

Dr. Carrie West was widowed in 1999 when her husband, Shane, was killed in a car accident. She was left with two boys, Nathan who was 6, and Holden who was 1, and found very few resources for younger widows. Determined to learn more to help her children and herself, and to make sense of her new reality, she went back to school. Starting with a course in family communication she was fascinated with all we “know,” and even more with all we don’t “know” about widowhood. When she looked for resources that were difficult to find, Dr. West realized she could help correct that problem. Dr. Carrie West is now an Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at Schreiner University. Dr. West earned her PhD in Communication from the University of Denver with a focus on interpersonal and family communication, and a cognate in research methods. She has written a book chapter about the family identity of bereaved remarried stepfamilies in More than blood: Today’s reality and tomorrow’s vision of family, and has presented papers on grief, bereavement, resilience, privacy, and wellness and well-being at several national and regional academic conferences.

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Oct
8
8:00 PM20:00

Growth Group - “Finding Purpose Again”

This event will be held at 8:00 pm EST/5:00 pm PST on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024

Teresa Amaral Beshwate is a certified professional life coach who helps widows learn to live and love their life again on their terms. Teresa became widowed in 2012, when she was celebrating her wedding anniversary out of state and her husband’s heart stopped beating. She has learned that although life can be brutal, it can also be beautiful. Teresa holds a Master’s degree in public health, and is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, podcaster, and blogger on the topics of life after loss and reconstructing a life worth living.

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Sep
27
11:00 AM11:00

Virtual Lunch & Learn - Friday, September 27th, 2024

  • 2315 Dickinson Avenue Greenville, NC, 27834 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We are thrilled to offer the next in our Virtual Lunch and Learn series and share our work and programs with Gold Star/Surviving Spouses and Support Coordinators. Join us and learn about our Team, Programs, and Resources. Contact Admin@thesugarbearfoundation.org to RSVP.  

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Sep
17
8:00 PM20:00

Growth Group - “Creating a New Life as a Gold Star Spouse”

This event will be held at 8:00 pm EST/5:00 pm PST on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

Gold Star Wife Mary Moore Hughes, RN, MSN-Ed, PHN, CHPN serves as the Soaring Spirits International Camp Widow Program Director as well as the Virtual Programs Manager. Mary’s husband Vince died suddenly in 2010 from a heart disorder which her two boys, now 20 & 15, also suffer from. She has a passion for helping people on their widowed journey, focusing on resilience and education, while bringing with her 20 years of experience as a Hospice RN and nursing professor. Mary has a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, a Public Health Nurse Certificate from San Diego State University, and a Masters of Science in Nursing Education from Cal State Dominguez Hills. She is also a Certified Hospice & Palliative Nurse. Mary is now happily remarried and living with her blended family in Southern California.

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Jul
22
12:00 AM00:00
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Virtual Sugar Bear Memorial Run - July 22, 2024

Register Online for the Sugar Bear Virtual Memorial Run or Send the word SugarBear24 as a Text Message to 41444.

This year we are asking our friends to select a hero from our Honor Wall and take part for them and their family, share pics on social media, and use the #SugarBearMemorialRun hashtag. In doing so you not only help us raise money for our programs, but also awareness of these heroes and their families. If you would like to get on the interest list for this upcoming event or have an idea to help us fundraise with the Virtual Run, please contact our Admin@thesugarbearfoundation.org.

Show your friends this QR Code to have them Register for the Sugar Bear Memorial Run

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May
26
1:30 PM13:30

North Carolina Families Can Honor Their Heroes

For our North Carolina families, we have another way to recognize the sacrifice of your service member and a wonderful event to connect with other families. The event details can be found on their website at: https://ncmemorialballoonfest.com/survivorevent. For more information please contact survivor@ncmemorialballoonfest.com.

From the Organizers…

“Join us for another fabulous Survivor Event!

There will be special parking for Survivors and transportation from the parking lot to the tent if needed.  Lunch and dinner are provided along with VIP seating.

Stay as long as you like but you don’t want to miss the Hot Air Balloon Glow Party! There will be rides, games, and shows for the children, also many vendors and food trucks. There is a cost to go up in a hot air balloon and you should plan on doing it early as the line gets longer as the day goes on.

Bring a chair if you would like to sit outside of the tent when the hot air balloons start going up.

The event is being held at the First Fruits Farm in Louisburg, NC.

Here is a little information on our host:

Jason Brown reached heights most children only dream of, being drafted as a fourth-round pick in the NFL to the Baltimore Ravens. He would eventually go on to play for the St. Louis Rams under a five-year, $37.5 million deal, becoming one of the highest paid centers in the league. But after his brother Lunsford B. Brown II passed away in 2003 at the age of 27 while serving in Iraq, Brown began to question if there was a greater purpose to his life.

After just seven years in the NFL, Brown turned down an offer to return to the Ravens, deciding instead to become a farmer. He and his wife Tay Brown and their eight children traded in their mansion for a farm in North Carolina, utilizing YouTube as their go to for farming the 1,000-acre land. 

“People tell me I’m crazy, they downright tell me that I’m stupid okay to walk away from millions of dollars. Because if you have the opportunity to play in the NFL then it’s supposed to be a no-brainer,” Brown explained. 

Still, he persisted, feeling confident in the decision he made for himself and his family and calling the farm a blessing.

“Seeing my children when we aren’t out there in the farm field and knowing that they’re learning life skills to help feed them and their families for generations to come, that is the blessing of a farm,” said Brown. 

The First Fruits Farm was founded with the goal of giving back in mind. Initially, Brown planned to donate the first fruits of every harvest to local families in need. However, the demand was overwhelming, and Brown and his family made the decision to donate it all.

Through his ministry, Wisdom for Life, Brown not only spreads the word of God, but he also spreads the food, in an effort to fight food insecurity in North Carolina. The farm also provides opportunities for partnerships, research, volunteerism, and education for those in the state. To date, First Fruit Farms has donated more than one million pounds of food to those in need.

“Seeing my children when we aren’t out there in the farm field and knowing that they’re learning life skills to help feed them and their families for generations to come, that is the blessing of a farm,” said Brown. 

The First Fruits Farm was founded with the goal of giving back in mind. Initially, Brown planned to donate the first fruits of every harvest to local families in need. However, the demand was overwhelming, and Brown and his family made the decision to donate it all.

Through his ministry, Wisdom for Life, Brown not only spreads the word of God, but he also spreads the food, in an effort to fight food insecurity in North Carolina. The farm also provides opportunities for partnerships, research, volunteerism, and education for those in the state. To date, First Fruit Farms has donated more than one million pounds of food to those in need.”

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Feb
3
10:00 AM10:00
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Cathedral Catholic High School National Honor Society Ergathon Fundraiser to Support The Sugar Bear Foundation

  • Cathedral Catholic High School (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Welcome to the Cathedral Catholic High School National Honor Society Ergathon Fundraiser to Support The Sugar Bear Foundation!  Join us in rowing for community and fundraising for a cause.

100% of donations raised at the CCHS NHS Ergathon will go towards the mission of The Sugar Bear Foundation: Supporting Gold Star/Surviving Spouses and children of fallen United States military personnel with educational, financial, career, and wellness programs.

Meet near the CCHS campus pool on Saturday, February 3rd from 10:00-2:00pm for rowing, music, refreshments, teamwork, and giving back to the community.

To reserve your erg (rowing machine) at this event, please sign up here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094BA5AE2FA7FEC43-47157568-nhssugar#/

To donate to The Sugar Bear Foundation, please click on the Donate button below and mention the CCHS Ergathon in the “Additional Information” section of the donation form:

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Dec
10
12:00 PM12:00

RF-LAMBDA Annual Holiday Open House for San Diego Families

It is our favorite time of year and we are already planning for this year's festivities. San Diego Spouses and kids please get this on your calendar. If you have already completed our Registry and would like to RSVP now please do so. If you have not completed our Registry simply click on the link and contact our Admin@thesugarbearfountion.org with any questions. 

We are excited to once again welcome you all for a fun afternoon of great food, a sundae bar, holiday crafts, photos, and some surprises too! 

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Aug
29
1:00 PM13:00

Virtual Financial Literacy Workshop for Spouses and their Teens Preparing for College

Due to a recent storm some of our team was without power and internet. As such we have rescheduled the virtual workshop and due to so many requests, we are inviting coordinators and providers to attend. Don't hesitate to get in touch with our Admin@thesugabrearfoundation.org for more information. 

Join us with our friends from the Better Money Habits Team for a Virtual robust discussion on college, career planning,  finances, and beyond. 

If you have already completed our Registry simply send an email to our Admin@thesugarbearfoundation.org (check your spam regularly for a response) to register for the Virtual Workshop. If you haven’t registered with us then CLICK HERE to Join Our Registry to be eligible for Our Programs and the Virtual Workshop.

Have questions? Contact our Admin@thesugarbearfoundation.org

Help us continue these invaluable workshops and programs donate today…

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Jul
22
12:01 AM00:01

Virtual Memorial Run in Honor of LtCol Mario “Sugar Bear” Carazo - Saturday, July 22, 2023

Join us on July 22, 2023 to honor the memory of LtCol Mario “Sugar Bear” Carazo who made the ultimate sacrifice when his AH-1W Cobra was shot down while supporting Marines engaged in a firefight, by completing 10 miles (run, walk, row or bike) with your family and friends in your hometown.

The proceeds from this yearly fundraiser (which is a virtual event) will be split between the Sugar Bear Foundation and the Marine Corps Association Foundation.

For those looking to have more involvement, we invite you to check out our Ambassador Program and help us not only share this event in your local community, but raise awareness on behalf of Gold Star/Surviving families. Your support can make an impact!

CLICK HERE for Registration Details.

Or Donate Today…

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Jul
3
to Jul 5

Kendra Scott Gives Back to the Sugar Bear Foundation

Help support our mission with this latest opportunity. Kendra Scott (https://www.kendrascott.com) will donate back to the Sugar Bear Foundation with the purchase of any piece of jewelry from Monday, July 3rd-Wednesday July 5th! They even put together a special necklace in honor of Sugar Bear! Make sure to use the code when purchasing online. As always we are grateful for any and all support as these funds go directly toward our programs for Gold Star/Surviving Spouses and their children. 

Or donate today...

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May
27
11:00 AM11:00

Resource Fair - Hendersonville, NC

  • 38 Yale Road Hendersonville, NC, 28739 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Come see the Sugar Bear Foundation on May 27th and learn about our programs and other resources. We look forward to meeting North Carolina Survivors. 

The Veterans Healing Farm will be hosting its 2nd Veterans Resource Fair on Saturday, May 27, 11am - 3pm. It is located at 38 Yale Road, Hendersonville, NC. In addition to the 35 organizations that will be showcasing their services and programs, there will be live music, food trucks, massages, free ice cream and hot dogs for the kids. 

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Mar
2
1:00 PM13:00
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Save the Date - March 22, 1:00 - 3:00 PM EST - Virtual Workshop - Bank of America Better Money Habits "Dealing with Debt"

For our spouses trying to get ahead financially in 2023 join us and learn from our friends at BOA's Better Money Habits Team. They will have tried and true tips, strategies, and support for our special community. If you would like to learn more or attend please contact Admin@thesugarbearfoundation.org (make sure to check spam for our responses if you email). 

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Jul
22
to Jul 23
.

2022 Sugar Bear Memorial Virtual Run

Join us for this special event that not only supports our programs for Surviving Spouses and children but also Sugar Bear's beloved Marine Corps. Run, walk, bike, or row in honor of our hero. For those looking to have more involvement, we invite you to check out our Ambassador Program and help us not only share this event in your local community but raise awareness on behalf of Gold Star/Surviving families. Your support can make an impact!

https://mca-marines.org/event/sugar-bear-memorial-run-4

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Jul
22
to Jul 23

2021 Sugar Bear Virtual Memorial Run - July 22, 2021

Run, walk, row, or bike 10 miles on July 22, 2021 to honor the memory of LtCol Mario “Sugar Bear” Carazo. LtCol Carazo made the ultimate sacrifice on July 22, 2010 when his AH-1W Cobra was shot down while supporting Marines engaged in a firefight in Afghanistan. The proceeds from the event will be split between the Marine Corps Association Foundation and the Sugar Bear Foundation, which supports Gold Star families and Surviving Spouses.

To register go to https://mca-marines.org/event/sugar-bear-memorial-run-4/

*Virtual run date begins on July 22. Participants must complete their virtual distance by July 25, 2021

How to Track Your Miles:
1. Go to the App or Google Play Store on your mobile device
2. Download the app “Map My Run by Under Armour” (the app icon is blue with a white UA logo and is free)
3. Create your account
4. Add “Marine Corps Association” as your friend
5. Your friend request will be accepted within 48 hours
6. You will then receive a notification that you have been invited to the “The Flag Raising Challenge”
7. Click on the notification then click on the green “Join Challenge” button
8. Click here if you need help using the “Map My Run” app

*Note – If you are already friends with Marine Corps Association on the MapMyRun app, we will send you an invite to the Challenge within 48 hours of registration.

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