Page 2 - Jupiter West - February '21

Page 2, Jupiter West

Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Telethon from page 1 rental assistance, eviction prevention, emergency home
WILD Pants from page 1 repairs, and assistance with utilities.
pandemic curtailed fundraising efforts. WVRF receives no Many veterans are proud and hesitate to seek help, and
personal outreach to achieve lofty fundraising goals. government funding, and depends heavily on the goodwill as one says, “To ask for help means that I have failed.”
WILD Wednesday sponsors, including Pratt & Whitney of the public and its flagship fundraising events. Its signature However, one WVRF staff member emphasizes, “They have
and the Gehring Group, assisted The Arc in surpassing event is its annual ball, which, like many large events in earned the right to ask for our help.” In addition to meeting
their largest WILD Pants fundraising goal to date, 2020, was canceled. This was potentially disastrous for the its fundraising goal, WVRF staff embodied the December
helping individuals with disabilities live their fullest organization. “The ball is our largest fundraiser of the year holiday spirit when they surprised a veteran, a single mother
lives. and we heavily rely on the funds raised during the ball to of three children, with a month of housing assistance, a $250
About The Arc Of Palm help support the disabled veterans here in Florida,” confides Publix gift card, and $100 Target gift card.
Beach County Caitlin Cronin, WVRF staff member. One hallmark of WVRF is its ability to help veterans
The Arc is changing But where there is a will, there is a way. Shannon quickly. In fact, during the telethon, while a veteran was
the conversation Cake, WPTV NewsChannel 5 anchorwoman, is a usual making a donation, he learned about the pilot dental program,
around disabilities master of ceremonies for the ball. When the event was WVRF’s partnership with a local dentist who provides pro
by defying definitions, canceled, she had the brilliant idea to host a telethon. This bono services. Immediately, WVRF was able to secure an
inspiring possibilities, event occurred on Dec. 9, 2020 on WPTV from 6 a.m. to appointment for the veteran. Michael explains that many
and improving the lives 8 p.m. Shannon Cake hosted the telethon, accompanied veterans have a gap in medical and dental insurance. To Lt.
of the people we serve, by Brian Edwards, senior vice president of development General (Ret.) Robert Chelberg, getting proper dental care
their families, and our of the United Way of Palm Beach County. WVRF staff is incredibly meaningful to veterans, because it improves
community. Since 1958, is thrilled to have met a match during the telethon to a their health, their ability to hold jobs, and helps them feel
The Arc has envisioned a $50,000 donation from an anonymous foundation. One good about themselves. Indeed, Michael shares that the
community where every staff member, Alana, speaks her gratitude, “It could be a dental assistance program already proved to be lifesaving
person feels welcome, tank of gas to you, but it could mean keeping the lights because when one veteran visited the dentist, an early stage
connected, and accepted. 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.”

Jessica McCarten Frank Cooney

Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing
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