BANGOR (NEWS CENTER Maine) - The Travis Mills Foundation received a donation Wednesday of more than $13,000. The donation came from Coastal Mustang Cruise in conjunction with Darling's in Bangor.
The Travis Mills Foundation works to help wounded veterans after they return home. Mills and his wife offer a retreat for injured veterans their families at a retreat center in Rome, Maine.
"This donation to the foundation really helps us continue this mission," said Mills, the President of the Travis Mills Foundation. "It helps us give back to the families that have sacrificed so much in the name of service."
Mills himself is a quadruple amputee. Now he and his wife hope to give experiences to veterans going through experiences similar to his. The retreat center offers a wide range of outdoor activities including horseback riding and archery. For Mills, it goes far beyond just the veterans that attend the retreat center. A bond is formed with all involved in the organization.
"When we get people that believe in our mission, it helps us know that we're doing the right thing," said Mills. "And they're also becoming part of our family."
The newest member of that family is Coty Batten, the director of the Coastal Mustang Cruise. The cruise is a Mustang-only trip from Darling's in Bangor to the Winterport speedway for various events. Part of the event is a fundraiser with a different recipient every year. This year, they chose the Travis Mills Foundation.
"He's pretty selfless to help people along with similar issues that he's been through and to improve other people's lives. And that along goes without saying. It's an incredible cause," said Battens.
Travis Mills also is a speaker around the county and offers other services for veterans. This winter the Travis Mills Foundation will once again offer winter retreats.