As Veterans Day approaches, it would be hard to think of a cause more important than supporting those who defend us.
The Friends of Delaware Veterans Inc. will host its ninth annual black-tie-optional fundraising dinner to benefit the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 6-9 p.m. at Dover’s Modern Maturity Center.
Its theme is “A Celebration of Heroes.” It will recognize and honor Delawareans from multiple generations and branches who have served our nation and state with distinction, devotion and dedication. The trust fund, passed into law in 2013 under the Commission of Veterans Affairs, provides grants that have prevented cutoff of utilities and repossessions of vehicles, stopped evictions, made emergency repairs on homes and provided help to those who have protected us.
“The trust fund helped prevent the cycle of becoming homeless again” — New Castle County
“It really helped me in my time of need — it helped me and my 3-year-old child” — Kent County
“We are very grateful that the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs and the trust fund were there to help us with our utilities” — Sussex County
The dinner’s keynote speaker will be Ralph Galati, who was held as a prisoner of war in north Vietnam after his F-4 fighter jet was shot down in 1972.
Tickets will remain at $100 and include entertainment, plus a plated meal of stuffed chicken breast with cranberry glaze, whipped potatoes with gravy, green beans and a tossed salad, coffee or tea and dessert, or a pasta vegetarian meal.
Musical entertainment during the social hour will be provided by Delaware’s Shrewsbury Classical String Quartet. The event will include door prizes and silent and live auctions. The live auction will include Delaware license plates MV 5 and MV 6 (Military Veteran). Delaware Sen. Dave Wilson will serve as auctioneer.
Individuals, businesses or organizations can be a key part of this effort by donating auction items, sponsoring an eight-person table at $1,000, giving a tax-deductible monetary contribution or purchasing one of the following tax-deductible sponsorships: Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($1,000) or Bronze ($500). The program will also list table sponsors.
Call 302-739-2792 to buy tickets or to arrange to drop off auction items at the commission office on Walker Road, Dover. Tickets will be held at a will-call table at the event. The reservation deadline is Nov. 4.
Checks can be made to Friends of Delaware Veterans Inc. and mailed to Trust Fund Dinner, Commission of Veterans Affairs, 802 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 100, Dover, DE 19904.
Visit delawareveteranstrustfund.com or email dskocik@aol.com for information on the fund and how it helps our veterans in financial crisis.
Dave Skocik
President, Friends of Delaware Veterans
Dover
