A look at one of the four military- and veteran-focused charities that received $37,500 as part of this year’s Newman’s Own Awards. For more on the award program and on other award recipients, including the $50,000 winner, click here.
Charity/program: The Dog Tag Inc. Fellowship Program, of Washington, D.C.’s Dog Tag Bakery.
What it does: The five-month program involves hands-on rotation through all the functions of the bakery with studies through Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies. It’s open to transitioning service members, veterans, caregivers and spouses, helping fellows explore a variety of career paths, learn how to use available resources and establish networks. In the current class of 12, there is one military spouse and one caregiver, and the remainder are veterans.
What the money will do: The $37,500 will help fund five fellows, covering some textbook costs and helping provide a stipend.
In brief: Some of the fellows attended the Newman’s Own ceremony, said Meghan Ogilvie, CEO of Dog Tag Bakery. They helped find this opportunity, and helped write the application, as part of their education process; part of their education is understanding funding methods, should they decide to start a nonprofit. “We wanted them to see the result,” Ogilvie said.
Karen has covered military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times for more than 30 years, and is co-author of a chapter on media coverage of military families in the book "A Battle Plan for Supporting Military Families." She previously worked for newspapers in Guam, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Fla., and Athens, Ga.
