Anonymous Donor helps bring total for Local Vet Charities over $20,000

  Despite the heat and humidity, Jammin 4 Vets, the first ever outdoor concert put on by the Legion Riders-Post 80 and Global Hope on Saturday at the American Legion Hall was a huge success.  According to LR Director Steven Collins, their goal was to raise at least $10,000 at the event and they also had a very generous donor (who wishes to remain anonymous) agree to match their proceeds.  The combined total was then over $20,000 raised for various Verterans charities including the Edward Hines, Jr VA Hospital Volunteer Athletic Programs for Disabled Vets and the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Vets.

A Slice of Jazz got the music and festivities started at 3pm and Local Favorites lead singer Megan Hickman did a fantastic job and carried the fund raiser to it's end at 9, but the most thrilling and inspiring part of the evening was when the Hines VA buses rolled in.  A hush came over the crowd and thunderous applause as each of America's finest Verterans was either wheeled through the crowd to the pavilion or walked in under their own power.  12 in all were honored and enjoyed the Pig Roast dinner provided by Double D Special Events.  These wonderful and charasmatic men were a pleasure to talk to and definitely enjoyed having their pictures taken with big smiles for Patch!  I enjoyed meeting every one of them.  Here is a list of the heros I had honor to meet last night.

Jerry Panama

Lonnie Smith

Sam Stive

Al Atkocatis

Kermit Lasley

Stan Berry

Mark Jacoby

Gene Stewart

John Murphy

Lawrence Jenkins

Harvest Steele

Doug Kawala

Also in attendance were Gunther and Leka, two German Shepard Search and Rescue Dogs and their owner Kari Kobus, President of Search and Rescue Dogs of IL.  

Anita Dierks, Executive Director for the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Vets in Wheaton, IL was there as well.  Anita said "The main goal of our program is to help vets transition from homeless to independent within two years"  To learn more go to www.helpavereran.org.

Also there to support the Hines Programs were Annette Katamay, Polytrauma/Clinical Coordinator and Mariann Blacconiere LCSW, Suicide & Prevention Coordinator.  Both women are remarkably dedicated to their Veterans programs, Annette having been with Hines over 30 years and Mariann nearly 20.

In addition to the great food and great music, beer and wine were served and there was a 50/50 raffle along with a prize raffle with prizes such as American Legion Riders leather jackets, Electric Guitar, Mongoose Mountain bike.  Many prizes were donated, including a 23 Patch leather vest from the Outerwear Outlet in Niles, IL.