Leupold and Black Rifle Coffee have partnered to donate over $72,000 to the Boot Campaign, a non-profit organization that works to support military veterans across the country. The funds were raised in conjunction with a group of personalities on the multimedia streaming platform Twitch.tv.
“Leupold and Black Rifle Coffee Company conceived of the fundraiser, but it was the strength of community and dedication to the mission that made it as wildly successful as it was,” said Shane Meisel, director of marketing for Leupold. “The Boot Campaign is one of the most dedicated veteran support programs in the country, and everyone—from the streamers to their fans on Twitch—showed up and backed the cause.”
Founded in 2009, the Boot Campaign has given more than $12 million in financial aid to service members, veterans and their families. The organization’s programs assist with housing needs, career and education costs, PTSD/TBI treatment, and health and wellness programs. Funds are raised through general donations, corporate sponsorships, and the retail sale of combat boots and other branded merchandise.
“Our mission, from the beginning, has been to support health and wellness, restore families, restart careers, reduce suicides and reinforce communities,” said John Hughes, board member and treasurer of the Boot Campaign. “We couldn’t do what we do for service members and veterans without the support of companies like Leupold and Black Rifle Coffee Company.”
Popular Twitch personalities Eli_doubletap, Tweak, Klean, Matbest11x, Baddie, KiiNGS, Alex_Zedra, DonutOperator and Drdemolitionmatt, streamed through the night on Saturday, Nov. 2, applying all crowd-sourced donations directly to the Boot Campaign. Leupold-sponsored product giveaways were a highlight of the special event, which ultimately raised $72,643.30.
Black Rifle Company, founded in 2014, is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, and owned by former members of the United States Armed Forces. Leupold, based in Oregon, has been producing high-quality optics for more than 100 years and remains a family owned business.