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A check passing was held recently at the Catholic War Veterans Post 1562 in Derby.
Pictured from left, Nancy Seeley, Derby CWV Post 1562 auxiliary
president; Jerry Coolidge, Derby Elks Lodge 571 exalted ruler; Homes for
the Brave board members James Lee and Dr. Doris Troth Lippman; Jennifer
Van Etten, CWV event chairman; and Tom Voytek, Commander, Derby CWV Post 1562. / Photo contributed by Markanthony Izzo
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DERBY - Driving down Derby Avenue a few weeks ago, one might
get the urge to do some “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” near the Catholic War Veterans Post
parking lot. A country band, Harms Way, was playing to a full parking
lot of attendees enjoying the music, line dancing,
eating good food and enjoying each others’ company, all for a good
cause.
“Every year we raise money to donate to veteran
organizations in financial need. This year the funds will go to
Bridgeport’s Homes for the Brave,” said Jennifer Van Etten, chairman. “This is a truly worthy cause where our (CWV Post 1562) veterans
can make a difference.”
This year, Van Etten said she was proud to announce that
a combined total of $2,800 was donated to this worthy cause helping
women veterans and their children.
“The dancing, the food, the band, the raffle –
everyone that supported our event has made a difference in the life of a
needy veteran,” said Tom Voytek, commander.
A number of CWV members donated food
for the event including highlights from Grumpy Hogg BBQ as well as
raffle items from various businesses and individuals. The Renegade Knights donated numerous
services to make the day a success.
Derby Elks donate to event
The Derby Elks Lodge 571 did its share to helping
this worthy event by donating $500 to the funds. “We always try to make a
difference in helping others,” said Jerry Coolidge, exalted ruler.
“This includes helping other fund-raising efforts
in our community.”
The PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home in Bridgeport, a part of Homes for the
Brave, will benefit from the event.
It is a 15-bed house for female veterans and their children that assists them to transition back into the
community.
This is taken from a press release from the CWV.
Editor's note: According to Homes for the Brave website, "The house’s name, the PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home, is a tribute to a
young soldier from Wilton, Connecticut who wanted to share his love of
soccer with the children of Iraq. He never had the chance to hand a
ball to a child, but his spirit has inspired people across the United
States to send over 32,000 balls, each one bearing his name, to children
of Iraq and Afghanistan. Nick’s spirit lives on with each of those
balls carrying the belief that every person should have the opportunity
to overcome hardships and improve their life."
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