The Roswell Rotary Hometown Hero for November story has a sequel! Brother’s Keeper Foundation founder, Chris Cathers, with his body fighting Stage 4 Cancer and PTSI, but his spirit needed to create a foundation where Veterans could find help without barriers and only resolutions. During the inspirational November presentation to Chris, Roswell Rotarian John Michael Brunetti was so moved to throw out a match of $10,000 so Chris could see veterans getting what they needed fast. “Match it,” he said. “Let’s do something worthy of these veterans.” The spark was ignited. If that wasn’t enough, after the meeting, Chris shared with Roswell Rotary Club President Trummie Lee Patrick III that another donor in his organization had also stepped forward and would match what Roswell Rotary could raise. Anonymous. No fanfare. No spotlight. “I’ll match whatever you raise,” they said. In an instant, the challenge of one Rotarian could be seen to go from $10,000 to $20,000. Then $20,000 would become $40,000. At a December meeting, the challenge was made public to the 200 folks in the room and, within 8 minutes, almost $40,000 was raised creating a new budget for Brother’s Keeper just from Roswell Rotary! NOTE: This is not considering the additional match!

Chris Cathers had the courage to create something new where no path existed. He still calls, still listens, still shows up. Even now—especially now—he serves with a spirit that defines Service Above Self.

From Brothers Keeper: Your generosity allowed us to fully stabilize five veterans in acute need. And, now we invite you to match our commitment and help us complete the remaining three service projects for veterans needing life-changing companions, service dogs, for heroes who need them to navigate PTSD, mobility impairment, and daily living.

Your $40,000 will:

1. Fully fund the highest-leverage, lowest-cost stabilization cases: These are five veterans where a relatively small amount of money prevents homelessness, relapse, and/or medical decline.
2. Prioritize life-or-death mobility, housing stability, and mental health continuity for three more veterans by partially but yet significantly provide a meaningful portion of funding for not only their survival but stabilization and so they can reclaim their life.
3. Ensure equity across needs while protecting against “catastrophic setbacks.

This $40,000 has become far more powerful—certain to change lives towards stability and, hopefully, flourishing. Nothing is certain and these plans are based on known needs and hopeful outcomes. Don’t miss the point…. there is something happening because a group of people dared to think outside the norm, outside the box and find different ways to help! “I couldn’t be more proud of this kind of potential brewing in our club,” RRC President Trummie Lee Patrick III.

And this is where success is found —in a place far deeper than a ballpark, a backyard, or even a Rotary Club meeting. It is found at the intersection of imagination and compassion, where ordinary people refuse to let the world remain as it is. The courage of Chris Cathers is turning his remaining days into a legacy of hope for those who once fought for us. And the challenge made by one Rotarian will hopefully create a wave of generosity that will change lives we have not yet met.