Okun is CEO of ThanksUSA, a McLean-based nonprofit that holds yearlong treasure hunt-based fundraiser to give scholarships to military spouses and children. (Online: www.thanksusa.org.) Why provide spouses with support?
The best way to thanks the troops who are defending our freedom is to give the gift of education to the families, and that’s what ThanksUSA does.
Are people receptive to your message?
Absolutely — it’s been overwhelming. After five years, ThanksUSA has awarded more than 2,200 scholarships to the kids and spouses of active-duty military personnel in all branches of service covering all 50 states and D.C.
What’s your favorite event?
We’re so lucky — we’ve had everything from performers like Vince Gill and Amy Grant do a benefit concert at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to the Blue Man Group in Las Vegas provide a show.
How did it start?
It all started with an idea of my two daughters who wanted to do more to thank the troops. … What they had discovered is there’s a huge need to support military families in a whole host of ways, especially in helping them with their education.
Can you tell us about the hunt?
It’s all about the history of the 50 states and also the history of military services. The games range: crosswords, sudokus, hidden pictures and word scrambles. We use primarily elementary school history books, and yet the questions are pretty tough.
Do mostly schools or individuals participate?
The treasure hunt was the girls’ idea to bring people to the Web site to contribute to the scholarship fund and get them excited by playing this game. … It’s safe to say we’ve had more than 10,000 play, from individuals to youth groups to homeschoolers to schools, out west in particular, to families.
Is it too late to get involved in this year’s hunt?
Not at all! It runs through Aug. 15.
