In a quiet corner of Northwest Ohio, a powerful example of generosity and patriotism is quietly changing lives. The Sherwood VFW Charity Fund, housed under the Defiance Area Foundation umbrella, is more than just a veterans’ initiative, it’s a driving force for community support, youth development, and local legacy.
Since its inception on March 31, 2021, the Sherwood VFW Charity Fund has granted over $50,122 back into the Sherwood community. These funds have supported a variety of meaningful initiatives, proving that when local dollars stay local, incredible impact follows.
A Commitment to Youth and Education
One of the standout contributions of the Sherwood VFW Charity Fund is its support of renewable scholarships for VFW-affiliated families. Each scholarship recipient can receive $500 annually for four years, easing the financial burden of higher education and affirming the VFW’s ongoing commitment to the next generation.
In addition to scholarships, the Fund also supports the annual animal auction at the Defiance County Fair, ensuring that youth in agriculture can continue to grow their projects and pursue their passions. Local school pride also is shown through donations to the Fairview Athletic Boosters, promoting wellness, sportsmanship, and school spirit.
A Living Memorial
The Sherwood VFW’s community service doesn’t stop at grantmaking. Their members are active in three Memorial Day ceremonies, including the one at the Sherwood Cemetery, and place American flags across 10 local cemeteries, ensuring veterans are honored in both memory and tradition.
They also serve as Honor Guards at local funeral services, providing solemn and meaningful recognition for fellow veterans who have passed. Their presence, silent, respectful, and deeply moving, embodies the values of service that define their organization.
Community Events that Give Back
Every year, the Sherwood VFW hosts a Pancake and Sausage Benefit, held in partnership with the local food pantry. The event is not only a warm and welcoming community gathering, it’s also an opportunity to raise funds that go directly back into local needs. Santa even makes an appearance, arriving on a fire truck to bring joy to the children of Sherwood.
The VFW also plays a vital role in Veteran’s Day ceremonies, where they proudly present the colors as a symbol of honor and respect for all who have served.
Local Dollars, Local Impact
All of the money that supports the Sherwood VFW Charity Fund comes from the Ohio Bingo Fund. Instead of placing these funds with a statewide organization, the Sherwood VFW made the deliberate decision to invest through the Defiance Area Foundation.
“We used to be with Ohio Charities – VFW, an organization out of Columbus, but the Defiance Area Foundation holds our money locally and we get a much better return on our fund growth,”
– Mark Baden, Commander of the Sherwood VFW
Thanks to that smart investment, they’re able to generate long-term, sustainable support for projects right in their own backyard.
From scholarship recipients and student athletes to hungry families and fallen veterans, the Sherwood VFW Charity Fund touches every corner of the Sherwood community. It’s a powerful reminder that when service and philanthropy come together, the impact is lasting.
To learn more about the Sherwood VFW Charity Fund or how to support it, visit defianceareafoundation.org.
