WHAT WE DO

Operation Patriot Foundation, Inc. was founded for two reasons: to pay tribute to those who risk their lives to protect our property, our lives and our freedom, and to raise funds to support these heroes in their times of need.

Firefighters run into burning buildings. Police officers run towards crime. Our military run into battle. These brave men and women run where others fear to tread in order to protect fellow citizens they have never met.

If your home is burning, you'd expect the fire department to come quickly to put out the fire, and save your loved ones and your property. In the case of a car accident, you count on the fire department to arrive promptly and ensure emergency medical care.

Has your car been stolen lately? Has your home been broken into? Some can unfortunately answer "yes" to this question, but the vast majority will answer "no." Police officers provide this kind of protection - the kind that we all take for granted. And if you are ever the victim of a crime, it's the police who hurry to your aid.

The U.S. military is the most powerful in the world. Our armed forces protect our freedom by volunteering to fight battles in foreign countries where terrorists and dictators rule. Too many of these men and women die or are severely injured while protecting our way of life.

These heroes who volunteer to help are often injured and sometimes lose their lives while just doing their jobs. Operation Patriot Foundation, Inc. helps them and/or their families by raising funds for organizations that specialize in helping firefighters, police and military personnel.

These organizations must meet our criteria by offering direct assistance to our heroes in need, organizations like the Salvation Army, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the Veterans Outreach Center, the Finger Lakes Regional Burn Association and Concerns Of Police Survivors.

When tragedy strikes, these outstanding organizations go out of their way to provide much-needed care to those who protect us. We want to help!

Operation Patriot Foundation, Inc. organizes fundraisers supporting our heroes. Our namesake event, "Operation Patriot," is dedicated specifically to honoring those who have served. We invite the public to join us in this tribute, while asking for a small donation to support our heroes.

There are a number of "missions" within the Operation. For example, Mission: Let's Roll! is a motorcycle tribute ride/parade featuring firefighters, law enforcement and our nation's active and veteran military forces.

Our "Heroes Tribute" is a forty-minute ceremony that includes the presentation of colors, a military fly over (when possible), and a 21-gun salute along with choirs, musical pieces and special guest speakers.

Our holiday fundraiser - Mission: 5 gets ya 10 for Homeless Heroes is held at The Mall at Greece Ridge during Pearl Harbor weekend. Funds raised help homeless veterans get off the streets.

Mission: Trot w/ Troops raises much-needed funds to assist troops returning from combat. Trot w/ Troops is a "walk" with the option of "trotting" with members of the United States Military - in cadence. The 5K trot is held Memorial Day weekend in Rochester, NY & Buffalo, NY - the New York City trot is held the following weekend.

Mission: 343 was held September 6th - 11th, 2011 at Ontario Beach Park in Rochester, NY. It featured a field of 343 American flags on 8' poles flying in silent tribute to the 343 fire fighters who lost their lives in the Twin Towers on 9/11. This one-time event coupled with our "Let's Roll!" motorcycle tribute ride raised $15,000.00 to support firefighters injured in the line of duty. The funds were donated to the Finger Lakes Regional Burn Association.

Mission: Red, White & Blues is held as part of the September event and features some of the best blues musicians and bands performing in honor of the lives lost on 9/11.

Walk for W. Webster Firefighters was held on January 5th, 2013 at the Mall at Greece Ridge in support of the West Webster firefighters and the Greece Police officer who were ambushed on Christmas Eve Day. More than 300 people participated in the walk.

We are constantly looking for ways to increase awareness, attendance and funds to help. Stay tuned for upcoming events such as "Mission: 73" and "Walk for the Wounded."