At that point in our history, we decided that we needed to come up with an official name that we would go by in order to motivate and inspire others.  The name "Strike Force" was adopted near the end of 2007.  It stands for Showing Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Kindness, and Empathy by Forming Organizations to Rebuild Communities Everywhere.  The thought was that we could grow our group in both size and scope over time.

Our first official Strike Force Event was the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk.  In fact, back then, we were not nearly as prepared as today, and we used the ACS's shirt with a hotel logo as ours were not ready yet.  Our first Strike Force shirts were not seen for the first time until the next month when we participated with Rebuilding Together Houston to repair a home for a senior that was unable to do it herself.  That first logo only lasted one shirt until we decided to change it to it's current design.

Over the next four years, we participated in over 100 events.  We did everything from blood drives, to charity walks, and so much more. We also expanded as the Courtyard by Marriott - Houston/Medical Center opened and encouraged their associates to join the group as well.    Most of the events that we participated in are listed under the Partnership tab.  In late 2010 through early 2011, we talked about taking this group to the next level by becoming a non-profit entity.  We wanted to do this to separate it from the hotels to encourage others to join us and to ensure we would always have ownership in the organization that we put so much effort into over the years.  

This is where we ran into some surprising knowledge.  We found out that it would take quite a bit of money in order to incorporate a non-profit corporation, set up the website, set up all of the bank accounts, and all of the other things that are needed in order to launch it successfully.  Due to the cost of start-up, we decided that it would be best to continue donating to the charities for now and look at forming our non-profit later

Over the next several months, we worked hard to build our reputation in Houston as someone you could count on to help those in need.  During those times, we set a record for contributions to the Childrens' Miracle Network, were selected for 2 of 10 spots for the Alice Marriott Hall of Honor for Community Service and won the HLAGH (Hotel Lodging Association of Greater Houston) Community Service Group of the year.  However, the good news would not continue.

On November 22, 2011, my father passed away.  It was a very difficult time for me.  I spent a lot of time thinking about the times that we spent together, replayed conversations we had, and tried to make peace with the situation.  Through this time, I was comforted by the fact that my father was no longer in pain, was able to spend time with his grandchildren (my brother and sister both have kids) and was proud of what I have accomplished in my life.  In fact, he was always proud of what I have done through work but, he was even more proud of all the good I have done through my community service.  With those thoughts in my head, I had an inspiration.  I decided to donate his insurance money to STRIKE FORCE in his honor.

Thanks to my father, we were able to form this non-profit.  You may even notice that we decided to honor him with our name.  Our official name is "A Pop's Foundation, Inc. dba STRIKE FORCE".  Now, STRIKE FORCE will live forever and so will we. 

We have been approved for our 501 (3)C which allows us to give tax letters to all donors upon request.  However, we continue our work within the community and would love to have you join us as either a volunteer or donor.  

As always, feel free to shoot me a message if you have any questions.  I can be reached at barry@strikeforce.org