Disabled Patriot Fund: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The main role of the Disabled Patriot Fund can be summed up in three words: neighbors helping neighbors.

The Orland Park-based group grew from a concern voiced by many that veterans returning from fighting the war on terror were struggling financially, physically and emotionally—and so were their families. To date, more than 300 veterans have received assistance to lessen the financial burden that’s grown heavy with mounting medical bills, necessary medical equipment, counseling, and other types of therapies. Assistance from the group, which is a 501C(3), also has come in the form of helping to rehab a home if the veteran has become physically disabled, or in the form of a check to help with whatever the veteran and his or her family needs.

Events held throughout the year in the Orland Park area help to raise funds so the group can continue to provide support for veterans. One such fundraiser is a Queen of Hearts raffle, a joint effort between the Orland Park Veterans Commission and the Disabled Patriot Fund. The progressive raffle is held weekly at Mackey’s Pub, 9400 W. 143rd St., drawing in many local residents on Wednesday evenings who want to support the veterans from the area—and who wouldn’t mind winning the jackpot.

“It’s very generous of Mackey’s Pub to donate the space for us to sell our tickets,” said Gail Blummer, an Orland Park resident who is an active volunteer with the Disabled Patriot Fund and with the Orland Park Veterans Commission. “The clientele is mostly local residents who frequent the pub because of the friendly environment and close-knit relationships that everyone there seems to have. And, as the pot gets larger each week, the excitement of the customers is very apparent and makes the event even more fun.”

Some of the recipients of the funds have come to Mackey’s Pub on raffle nights to personally thank the patrons for their support. Each week there also are representatives from the sponsoring groups who are there, as well as Blummer, who says she is proud to support both of the organizations dedicated to supporting the veterans. “I do this because of the respect I have for veterans of all eras. I believe we have a debt that is owed to our veterans,” she said.

Those who are feeling lucky can purchase raffle tickets at any time during pub hours up until 10 minutes of the ticket drawing, which is held at 8 p.m. each Wednesday. Winner need not be present. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and are available to anyone over the age of 18.

For more details on obtaining tickets for the Queen of Hearts raffle, call Mackey’s Pub at (708) 403-2988. For additional information on the Disabled Patriot Fund, visit disabledpatriotfund.org.