REEL Heroes Joins Purple Heart Homes as an Official Chapter, Expanding Efforts to Support Veterans
REEL Heroes will expand its impact alongside Purple Heart Homes by raising awareness and funds for veterans’ housing solutions across the United States.
Purple Heart Homes is proud to announce that REEL Heroes, a 501(c)(3) organization founded to raise funds for veterans through kayak fishing, has officially become a chapter of Purple Heart Homes. While remaining a standalone nonprofit with its own board of directors, REEL Heroes will expand its impact alongside Purple Heart Homes by raising awareness and funds for veterans’ housing solutions across the United States.
Founded in 2023, REEL Heroes began with a simple mission: combining a love of fishing with a commitment to giving back to veterans. Their first tournament, hosted in the summer of 2024 on Lake Norman, NC, was a resounding success, raising over $44,000 in cash donations and more than $100,000 in tangible contributions from supporting businesses. All proceeds were donated to Purple Heart Homes to assist Service-Connected Disabled Veterans with housing solutions and other critical needs.
“REEL Heroes’ mission aligns perfectly with Purple Heart Homes,” said John Gallina, CEO Purple Heart Homes “Their passion for helping veterans while building a strong, engaged community through kayak fishing is truly inspiring. We are thrilled to have them as an official chapter and look forward to seeing their impact continue to grow.”
Save the Date: Reel Heroes Kayak Charity Bass Tournament - July 11 & 12, 2025
As part of their mission, REEL Heroes is working to expand their signature REEL Heroes Fishing Tournament, held annually on Lake Norman the weekend following the Fourth of July, to new locations across the country. They have partnered with leading kayak fishing organizations, including the Tennessee, Georgia & South Carolina B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series, BASS Champs, Foothills Kayak Anglers and Queen City Kayak Bass Fishing to amplify their reach and fundraising efforts.
Beyond tournaments, the REEL Heroes directors—Jon House, Russell Rauch (aka Fenway), and Wes Richardson —are Purple Heart Homes Pro Staff Anglers. Outside of their events, they take veterans fishing, recognizing the powerful role the outdoors plays in helping veterans reconnect and “cut off the noise” after returning home.
“Being on the water brings peace and perspective,” shared Jon House, REEL Heroes Director. “It’s not just about fishing. It’s about creating moments where veterans can take a breath, reflect, and remember what matters most. Partnering with Purple Heart Homes as a chapter allows us to do even more for those who have given so much.”
About Purple Heart Homes
Founded in 2008, Purple Heart Homes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing solutions for Service-Connected Disabled Veterans and their families. By fostering partnerships and community support, Purple Heart Homes ensures every veteran has a safe, accessible place to call home.
For more information on Purple Heart Homes’ mission, visit purplehearthomesusa.org.
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