As entrepreneurs, Don and Cathy Dion spent their lives building and investing in businesses with great success. Now as philanthropists, they are lending their expertise, business acumen and connections to help non-profits grow.

Don first heard about Home Base while serving on the Massachusetts General Hospital Advisory Board more than 12 years ago, and he and Cathy have been steadfast supporters ever since. Having both had parents who served in the military, the Dion’s passion for the Home Base mission stems from a deep, personal understanding of the sacrifices families make when serving.

Don is not one to just a write a check. He leads, advises and is an active, hands-on volunteer for the charities he supports. He joined the Home Base Leadership Council in 2011 and, with Cathy by his side, they have used their personal finances, influence and relationships to further the Home Base mission.

Through their family foundation, Don and Cathy have been critical investors in Home Base including the launch, growth and sustainability of Home Base Florida. The mission of their foundation is to build better futures through education and healthcare initiatives in New England and southwest Florida – making their area of focus perfectly in line with Home Base’s clinical care, wellness, education and research. While their significant, personal financial contributions since 2011 total more $1 million to Home Base and Home Base Florida, they see their biggest role is to expand the network of supporters.  

“We feel our greatest gift as board members is to connect people to the cause – we keep our ears open,” said Cathy.

The Dions express a deep gratitude for the military and quickly found when they shared their passion for the mental health care Home Base provides with those in their sphere of influence – it was an easy sell. “We are in a divided political world, but supporting our military is a cause we can get people to unite behind.”

“It is a no brainer to support Veterans and their mental health.”

“Don and Cathy have been model volunteers, hosting intimate gatherings in their home in Naples to grow our community of support,” said Jason Cooper, Home Base Florida Associate Director of Development. “Their network has connected us with politicians, community leaders and business executives who have significantly expanded our reach. They have also made invaluable introductions to corporations, including RTX, which has become the presenting sponsor at the Run to Home Base in Boston.”

Their latest connection led to Home Base Florida being chosen to benefit from the Nash to Naples fundraisers in October 2025 and January 2026. These events won’t just bring in critical funding, it will provide exposure to a wide audience of supporters.

Through their support, the Dions hope to see the mental health programs for Veterans and Military Families continue to expand in Florida and Boston with the ultimate goal of saving lives.

“22 Veterans die by suicide each day. We want that number to be zero. It’s about gratitude and giving back and Home Base does that every day in spades. We are grateful Home Base exists to help Veterans.”

don dion