Clapp Communications Adds Catch a Lift Memorial Fund to Its Growing Client List

BALTIMORE, Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Baltimore-based, award-winning marketing and public relations firm Clapp Communications is pleased to announce the addition of its newest client, Catch a Lift Memorial Fund. Catch a Lift, a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization, provides free gym memberships or in-home equipment to veterans across the country wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan. Access to the gym allows wounded veterans to begin their healing process and improves their mental and physical health through physical fitness.

Clapp Communications will manage public relations to promote the nonprofit organization throughout the United States. The foundation was established in honor of Chris Coffland, a Baltimore native who had a passion for working out and set off daily to, as he said, "catch a lift" at the gym. He felt the need to serve his country in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Coffland enlisted in the Army Reserve before his 42^nd birthday, just prior to the cutoff date when the Army would deem him 'too old.' Coffland outperformed soldiers half his age, setting an Army record of 128 pushups completed within a minute.

Coffland became an Army Reserve Cpl. and an intelligence specialist assigned to the 323^rd Military Intelligence Battalion based out of Fort Meade. Two weeks after deploying to Afghanistan he volunteered to take part in a dangerous mission to cover for a father of two. On November 13, 2009, enemy forces attacked the unit, detonating an explosive device in Wardack Providence, Afghanistan. The attack killed Coffland and two fellow soldiers.

"Chris Coffland's selflessness and dedication to serving his country is what makes America so great," said Barb Clapp, President & CEO of Clapp Communications. "Catch a Lift Foundation's mission honors this great American veteran and all veterans who have made sacrifices for all of us. We will work hard to get Catch a Lift the recognition it deserves so every veteran that needs help will be served. "

Family and friends of Coffland established the Catch a Lift Memorial Fund in 2011 to help carry on his memory. The organization was founded on his lifelong philosophy that through physical fitness you can achieve your highest potential for a healthy mind and body.

Research has shown that early intervention through physical fitness results in successful rehabilitation for wounded veterans. Over 48,000 veterans have been wounded post 9-11. Since December 2010, 654,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have been treated at VA Hospitals and clinics. That is a new patient every 5 minutes.

Wounded or injured veterans and service members who have been honorably discharged or retired military personnel who have served in the Iraq or Afghanistan Wars can apply. Wounded veterans from all service branches are eligible.

Veterans can apply for Catch a Lift's services at www.catchaliftfund.com. Please visit the foundation's site if you would like to learn more, donate to, volunteer or become a corporate sponsor of the Catch a Lift Memorial Fund.

About Clapp Communications
Clapp Communications is a full-service marketing agency, whose expertise spans public affairs, media planning and buying, brand development, public relations, event planning, marketing strategy and product launch, as well as creative development.  Clapp Communications is customer service driven and tailors individual programs to meet clients' needs. Customers consist of local, regional and large national brands in sectors including education, healthcare, government, associations, non-profit, corporate, hospitality and economic development.

For more information, please contact Kacey Bidnick of Clapp Communications at [email protected] or 410-561-8886.

SOURCE Clapp Communications

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