Honoring Service, Changing Lives: Structure Tone Philadelphia’s Partnership With Team Foster
At STO Building Group, veterans and their families hold a special place in our hearts. Which is why Structure Tone’s partnership with Team Foster isn’t just important—it’s personal. It’s a way for us to honor that service and give back in a meaningful way. They sacrificed for us, and now Team Foster advocates for them.
AN HONORABLE CAUSE
Founded in honor of Captain Erick Foster after he was killed in action, Team Foster is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting injured and disabled veterans through the power of accredited, life-saving service dogs. Team Foster provides funding for the training and placement of these highly skilled dogs; in 2024, more than 125 veterans were partnered with service dogs, and 1,000 more benefited from animal-assisted therapy through Team Foster’s efforts. The organization also works to educate the public, raise awareness about the challenges many veterans face, and advocate for veterans and service dogs.
“The need is significant. More than 20 veterans and service members lose the battle to suicide every day,” says Nick Liermann, Team Foster’s founder and Executive Director. “Service dogs are a clinically proven solution to help range of challenges, including hearing assistance, seizure or panic attack detection, PTSD mitigation, and much more. But unfortunately, there are no federal programs or insurance coverage for service dogs.”
PEDALING WITH PURPOSE
The nonprofit’s biggest event is their “Ruff Ride,” a 24-hour team spin relay, hosted in Philadelphia, PA that brings together a wide array of companies, service organizations, friends, and families. “We had an incredible turnout this year,” says Luke Thomas, vice president at Structure Tone Philadelphia, and participant in this year’s ride. “Our
group was bigger than the population of our entire office.” With a team of more than 60 members riding in shifts from 15 minutes to a few hours, Structure Tone made a strong showing at the event, which raised nearly $250,000 for Team Foster. The team is already looking ahead with excitement to the next Ruff Ride the Structure Tone team will be participating in, set to take place in New York City in March 2026.
“Ruff Ride is not just a fundraiser. It’s an opportunity to connect our community through shared experience,” says Liermann. “We are so grateful to have Structure Tone as an integral part of our community and the amazing success of Ruff Ride Philadelphia.”
PARTNERING FOR LASTING IMPACT
In addition to the Ruff Ride, Structure Tone Philadelphia collaborates with Team Foster throughout the year, from happy hour fundraisers to educational events. In fact, this summer, Team Foster’s founder and executive director, Nick Liermann, spoke at Structure Tone’s quarterly leadership meeting, sharing Team Foster’s mission, vision, and impact.
The impact this organization has on these veterans is truly life-changing. “The amount of training and accreditation required for these dogs is overwhelming. Team Foster takes that burden away and gives veterans a resource that changes their lives,” says Thomas. “Being on the Advisory Council, I get to see how much they really care and want to make a difference. It’s awesome.”
Liermann agrees. “Saying ‘thank you for your service’ is polite, but it does not help the veterans who need it the most,” he says. “Structure
Tone is leading the way by showing others how to #ShowUp4Vets. Together, we are literally saving veteran lives.”
