Page 2 - Jupiter Ocean Mile - February '21

Page 2, Jupiter Ocean Mile

Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Telethon from page 1 rental assistance, eviction prevention, emergency home
WILD Pants from page 1 repairs, and assistance with utilities.
because of COVID-19, the pandemic curtailed fundraising Many veterans are proud and hesitate to seek help, and
and personal outreach to achieve lofty fundraising efforts. WVRF receives no government funding, and depends as one says, “To ask for help means that I have failed.”
goals. WILD Wednesday sponsors, including Pratt & heavily on the goodwill of the public and its flagship However, one WVRF staff member emphasizes, “They have
Whitney and the Gehring Group, assisted The Arc in fundraising events. Its signature event is its annual ball, earned the right to ask for our help.” In addition to meeting
surpassing their largest WILD Pants fundraising goal which, like many large events in 2020, was canceled. This its fundraising goal, WVRF staff embodied the December
to date, helping individuals with disabilities live their was potentially disastrous for the organization. “The ball holiday spirit when they surprised a veteran, a single mother
fullest lives. is our largest fundraiser of the year and we heavily rely on of three children, with a month of housing assistance, a $250
About The Arc Of Palm the funds raised during the ball to help support the disabled Publix gift card, and $100 Target gift card.
Beach County veterans here in Florida,” confides Caitlin Cronin, WVRF One hallmark of WVRF is its ability to help veterans
The Arc is changing staff member. quickly. In fact, during the telethon, while a veteran was
the conversati on But where there is a will, there is a way. Shannon Cake, making a donation, he learned about the pilot dental program,
around disabi li ti es WPTV NewsChannel 5 anchorwoman, is a usual master of WVRF’s partnership with a local dentist who provides pro
by defying definitions, ceremonies for the ball. When the event was canceled, she bono services. Immediately, WVRF was able to secure an
inspiring possibilities, had the brilliant idea to host a telethon. This event occurred appointment for the veteran. Michael explains that many
and improving the lives on Dec. 9, 2020 on WPTV from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Shannon veterans have a gap in medical and dental insurance. To Lt.
of the people we serve, Cake hosted the telethon, accompanied by Brian Edwards, General (Ret.) Robert Chelberg, getting proper dental care
their families, and our senior vice president of development of the United Way of is incredibly meaningful to veterans, because it improves
community. Since 1958, Palm Beach County. WVRF staff is thrilled to have met a their health, their ability to hold jobs, and helps them feel
The Arc has envisioned a match during the telethon to a $50,000 donation from an good about themselves. Indeed, Michael shares that the
community where every anonymous foundation. One staff member, Alana, speaks dental assistance program already proved to be lifesaving
person feels welcome, her gratitude, “It could be a tank of gas to you, but it could because when one veteran visited the dentist, an early stage
connected, and accepted. mean keeping the lights on for a veteran.” oral cancer was discovered and successfully removed.
The funds raised will be used in essential ways, especially WVRF staff is very conscious of the financial strains
Photos by Tracey Benson Kurt Gehring, Jessica because 86 percent of donations go directly to veterans. Upon experienced by many, and know that without much needed
Photography Gehring their return to civilian life, veterans are often faced with many donations, they would have to make painful decisions to
barriers to their transition. Suicides and homelessness are say no to veterans. Caitlin sums up their gratitude, “We
two real and common threats. Michael reveals that “there appreciate everyone who supported us during this first time
are 22 suicides per day” and that the organization “provides event, especially with there being so many unknowns.” An
the critical support needed to keep our veterans and their emotional Michael assures donors, “Your money is going
families in their homes.” To prevent homelessness, WVRF to save a life and help a veteran in need.” As one veteran
offers housing assistance in various forms: immediate shelter, affirms, “This organization, it gives people like me hope.”

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