DALLAS – Carolyn Rochelle “Chelle” Pokorney, 32, of Jacksonville, N.C., has been selected as a grant recipient of the Fallen Patriot Fund, established on April 16 by the Mark Cuban Foundation, to help families of U.S. military personnel who were killed or seriously injured during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Pokorney will receive $8,500 from the Foundation to assist with living expenses and the cost of raising her daughter, Taylor, 2, after her husband, Marine 2nd Lt. Frederick E. Pokorney, 31, was killed near Nasiriyah, Iraq in March. Marine 2nd Lt. Frederick E. Pokorney was assigned to Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C. 

“My husband made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, and for people to step up and offer to help my family, along with others who have lost a soldier, represents what America is all about,” said Pokorney.  “Our daughter will grow up to understand the honorable legacy of her father, and the kindness of those who made this gift possible.”

The Mark Cuban Foundation will match donations to the Fallen Patriot Fund dollar for dollar up to $1 million. Over the past few weeks, donations have been received from 46 states and Canada. In addition, the Bank of America Foundation will match its associate’s donations dollar for dollar from gifts of $25 up to $5,000. 

Donations to the Fallen Patriot Fund can be made at any Bank of America banking centers; through the Web site at www.fallenpatriotfund.org, or mailed to the Fallen Patriot Fund, c/o Bank of America Private Bank, TX1-492-19-09, P.O. Box 832409, Dallas, Texas, 75283-2409.  Additional information and grant application may be obtained through the Web site.

Financial resources are vital to enhancing the sustainability of the family unit who has suffered a loss because its loved one sacrificed him/herself for freedom.   Within that group, grant recipients will be selected in accordance with criteria established by The Mark Cuban Foundation.  All proceeds will be disbursed.  The Mark Cuban Foundation is a tax exempt 501(C)(3) organization, contributions to which are tax deductible. Please contact a tax advisor for further details on charitable contributions. 

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Gillian Breidenbach (Bank of America) 214.209.3122
Gillian.M.Breidenbach@bankofamerica.com

Dawn Holgate (Mark Cuban), 214.658.7170 (office)
214.878.2867 (mobile)
dawn.holgate@dallasmavs.com