The Almanac of American Philanthropy has added Zachary Fisher, the founder of the Fisher House Foundation, to the Philanthropy Hall of Fame, joining the likes of Andrew Carnegie, George Washington, Henry Ford and J.P. Morgan.
A knee injury prevented Fisher from joining the Marine Corps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Zachary and his brothers Martin and Larry created Fisher Brothers and went on to become one of the most prominent developers in New York City. He supported the nation’s military and veterans throughout his life.
“There is a dignity and majesty in the efforts of all our armed forces, and it is well for us to remember the noble deeds of those who have worn the uniform,” he said.
Zachary Fisher led the mission to recover and transform the retired Intrepid on Manhattan’s West Side. But his biggest philanthropic creation was the Fisher House Foundation.
In 1990, he began a partnership with the Department of Defense and the Department of Veteran Affairs that would lead to the beginning of the Fisher House program, a place where the families of wounded veterans and service members could stay nearby the military or VA hospital. “Where there is military, there is a Fisher House. Where there is a Fisher House, there will always be caring, warmth, security, and compassion,” Zachary said.
Although Zachary Fisher died in 1999, his legacy lives on through his grandnephew, Ken Fisher, who now helms the Fisher House Foundation. Ken Fisher said his granduncle taught him “a lot about the real meaning of giving,” telling him: “‘Instead of sitting back and pointing out problems, let’s try and be part of the solution.’”
Zachary Fisher named to the Philanthropy Hall of Fame
