If you need another reason to buy chocolate, look no further than And Candy Too on Oak Street in Boothbay Harbor where owner Sarah Fahnley is selling chocolates for a great cause. With the purchase of each military-inspired edible medallion, Fahnley will donate 100 percent of the proceeds to the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit formed to benefit and assist wounded and injured veterans and their families.

“I was so moved and inspired by his story,” said Fahnley. “I wanted to do something to help his cause.”

Mills, who now resides in Maine, has shared his story nationwide and appeared on television numerous times. On April 10, 2012, while on patrol with the United States Army 82nd Airborne in his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, Mills was critically injured by an IED (improvised explosive device). He lost portions of both legs and both arms. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries, according to the organization’s website. 

During his recovery at the U.S. Army’s flagship hospital, Walter Reed, Mills found a passion for inspiring fellow wounded servicemen and women. While there, he consistently toured the facility seeking opportunities to encourage and spend time with fellow wounded soldiers and their families. For this service, he quickly earned the nickname, the “Mayor,” at Walter Reed.

The foundation is currently raising money for the Maine Chance Lodge & Retreat in the Belgrade Lakes region.  Built in 1929 by cosmetics pioneer Elizabeth Arden, this historic property was once part of Ardenʼs estate spanning 1,200 acres and employing hundreds during the height of the Depression. The lodge served as Ardenʼs private retreat and as the nationʼs first elite spa serving celebrities such as actress Ava Gardner, entertainer Judy Garland, author Edna Ferber, and former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower. The property was a well-known landmark in central Maine and the organization hopes to make it known for an even more important reason. 

As the organization’s website points out, the Arden estate fell into significant disrepair over the years.  Fundraising efforts have begun in earnest to renovate this iconic homestead. Construction costs including repairs, replacement, renovations and upgrades are estimated at $2.75 million. If the fundraising goals are met, the doors will be open in the summer of 2017, hosting 10 families weekly from June through August.  Future plans include winter and shoulder season program weeks as well.  As of July 29, $767,503 had been raised.

“The fact they are using the Arden estate is so great, “ said Fahnley. “I know it’s probably expensive and every little bit helps.”

While the effort to help the foundation is recent, Fahnley has a long tradition of supporting the military through her confections. 

“I started doing this years ago,” she said. “I just believe we owe our veterans for their service and protecting our country.”

The mission of the foundation is timely. According to journalistresource.org, during the Iraq War, 4,475 U.S. service members were killed and 32,220 were wounded; in Afghanistan, 2,165 have been killed and 18,230 wounded through Feb. 5, 2013. Among service members deployed in these conflicts, 103,792 were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) over the period 2002 to December 2012. Over that same period, 253,330 service members were diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). As a result of battle injuries in the Iraq War, 991 service members received wounds that required amputations; 797 lost major limbs. In Afghanistan, 724 have had to undergo amputations, with 696 losing a major limb.

“We need to support the military, “ said Fahnley. “This is not about me, it’s about doing what’s right.”

For more information or to donate to the Travis Mills Foundation please visit  www.travismills.org/donate/