VETERANS BALL
Event kicks off housing initiative for veteran moms and their children
Veterans & Community Housing Coalition will soon present its fourth annual Veterans Ball, kicking off a new housing initiative for veteran moms and their children.
The local nonprofit organization invites the community to attend the 2019 Veterans Ball, which is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 3 at the Hall of Springs, located in Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs.
Attendees will support Veterans & Community Housing Coalition’s mission to serve local veterans and their families with affordable housing and support services.
This year the proceeds will be used to start a campaign to build Foreverly House, a two-family home for veteran mothers and their children while they make the transition from military to civilian life.
The evening will feature LaSalle Institute’s JROTC Cadets, live music by The Joey Thomas Big Band, a photobooth by Mossey Photography, complimentary champagne, a choc
olate fountain provided by We Do Fondue, décor provided by Fine Affairs, food stations, a cash bar and a silent auction.
“It’s a very royal event,” said Cheryl Hage-Perez, executive director of Veterans & Community Housing Coalition.
A memorable highlight of the evening will be a special tribute to area resident WWII veterans Sir Ken Bailey, Cecily Geraghty, George Sumersell, Dom Scavia and George Williams.
Five more local veterans Sam Carpenter, Tiffany Orner, Chris Homicz, Ray Gagnon and Dave Wallingford are set to be ceremoniously honored at the ball as well.
Additionally, the event will honor United States Army Cavalry Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark, who was killed in action on June 8, 2013 in Afghanistan, as its Fallen Hero.
The event’s civilian honoree this year is the Saratoga Wilton Elks.
“We are looking forward to another great event in honor of our Veterans,” Hage-Perez said in a press release. “Caring for our Veterans is the duty of a grateful nation. Fostering a place for Veteran Moms, their daughters and their sons to call home, is the duty of all Americans.
“Please join us by generously supporting the Fourth Annual Veterans Ball and the kick off to the Campaign to build Foreverly House.”
Honorary chair Ray O’Conor added, “Our Veterans accepted the responsibility to valiantly defend our country and protect our freedom. We should in turn, accept our responsibility to support them as they transition from military to civilian life.”
Personally signed copies of O’Conor’s highly acclaimed book She Called Him Raymond – A True Story of Love, Loss, Faith and Healing, for which a screenplay adaptation is in development, will be available at the event. All book sale proceeds that evening will be donated to Veterans & Community Housing Coalition. The Veterans Ball is the only fundraising event hosted by Veterans & Community Housing Coalition each year.
Veterans & Community Housing Coalition provides housing and support services to homeless military veterans and their families and advocates on their behalf. The organization is committed to helping homeless veterans attain and maintain permanent housing, achieve financial stability, have access to healthcare and equally important, regain their dignity.
Through housing and support services programs, transitional and permanent housing is provided to more than 200 veterans a year.
Along with housing, Veterans & Community Housing Coalition’s staff and partnering agencies provide services to help veterans develop skills and secure employment or benefits to transition to independent living.
The nonprofit also partners with the Stratton VA to ensure that the medical, mental health, and addiction needs of each Veteran is met.
“Our veterans served us, now it’s time for us to serve them,” Hage-Perez said. “If it weren’t for the sacrifices they were willing to make, we wouldn’t be here. We need to continue honoring them and remembering them, especially those who have a difficult time transitioning, and those who have the ultimate sacrifice.
“They are our heroes, and we can’t ignore the contributions they made to our country.”
More information on Veterans & Community Housing Coalition and its services is available online at vchcny.org.
Further information about the upcoming Veterans Ball can be found online at www.veterans-ball.info or by calling (518) 8850091 ext. 101.