The Col. Patrick S. Madigan Foundation's Sixth Annual Benefit Breakfast will take place April 19, at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club. The guest speaker is Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Kenneth Farmer. Attendees will also learn about the foundation's programs. The event is free and the public is welcome. Guests will have the opportunity to donate to the foundation to help meet this year's goal of $78,000.

"The annual breakfast is the only fundraising activity for the Madigan Foundation and it's so important because the generosity of our guests funds all of our programs and our ability to expand support to military servicemembers and families throughout our PNW community," said Rachanee Curry, Madigan Foundation board member.

This year's goal will help the foundation with their mission to serve military families and Madigan Army Medical Center. Here is a breakdown of foundation programs and needs.

• Vision Support Program -- assists Junior Enlisted Families in obtaining needed glasses. Average grants given yearly: $15,000

• Young Heroes Program -- recognizes and honors children with special medical needs who face difficulties in a heroic manner, including the annual award of multiple academic scholarships. Average scholarships given yearly: $4,000

• Linquist Dental Program -- provides dental screening and care for two JBLM schools. Average yearly contribution: $9,000

• Madigan Army Medical Center Support -- Provide logistical and refreshment support. Average yearly contributions: $15,000

• Traumatic Brain Injury Program -- A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a physical disruption of brain function caused by an external event and accompanied by alteration or loss of consciousness, post-traumatic amnesia, neurological deficits, or intracranial lesion. Projected 2018 support: $10,000

• JBLM CARES -- Madigan Army Medical Center and the JBLM Armed Forces Community Service, which focuses on providing patient-centered care for military children with autism and their families. JBLM CARES will offer occupational, physical and speech therapy, ABA, Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Systems Navigation, CYSS Respite Care and more. Projected 2018 support: $25,000

The Col. Patrick S. Madigan M.D. Foundation is a nonprofit 501c (3) charitable organization that was formed in 1995 to support military families, active and retired, and Madigan Army Medical Center through programs designed to enhance and improve quality of care and life of patients, their families and their healthcare providers. The foundation is committed to serving military members, especially with the support of community businesses and leaders, and generous donors.

The benefit breakfast is the only fundraiser held by the foundation and it is critical to the success of these worthwhile programs. If you are unable to attend you can still help contribute by becoming a Friend of Madigan, contribute to the foundation through the Combined Federal Campaign (CF #92486), volunteer your time to the foundation, or fundraise for the foundation. For more information, visit madiganfoundation.org/support.

Madigan Foundation's Sixth Annual Benefit Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Thursday, April 19, Tacoma Country & Golf Club, 13204 Country Club Dr. SW, Lakewood, free, RSVP: madiganfoundation@comcast.net by April 16