Community Corner

Support Soldiers, Families at Saturday Dinner in Novi

One local resident says the stories of wounded soldiers helped by the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund drew her to volunteer for the non-profit.

From her first experience with the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund (FWSF), Novi resident Meghan Edwards couldn't help but be touched by the stories of soldiers who reached out for help. 

The Livonia-based nonprofit that helps Michigan’s military families and veterans, in coordination with Families United and Operation Care Package Michigan, will host its eighth annual dinner and auction on Saturday at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. The event is the largest fundraiser for an organization run entirely by volunteers. 

Even four years later, Edwards recalls the feeling she got after being part of an effort to help a soldier who had lost his sight. 

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"The Fund made his home accessible," she said. "Hearing the story of that veteran made that something I wanted to do." 

While going through the Veteran's Administration can take time, the Fund can provide quick assistance. That's important, because veterans are often reluctant to ask for help, unless they're in very desperate circumstances, Edwards said. 

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For every dollar that goes into the fund, more than 90 cents goes directly to helping veterans, she added. 

Keynote speaker for Saturday's event will be Don Mann, a former member of SEAL Team Six and, most recently, a trainer of the SEAL Team Six Warriors, who conducted the raid on Osama bin Laden. He will be joined at the event by Miss Michigan Angela Venditti, of Shelby Township, and WDIV’s Chuck Gaidica, who will serve as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Gaidica will introduce honored veterans from all branches of service, as well as state officials.

With an anticipated attendance of 1,000 guests, the event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River. Tickets are available for $110 per person and can be purchased at the door. Table sponsorships are also available for $1,100.

For more information, or to purchase your tickets, please contact Ann Cornelius at 248-346-5976 or ann4fwsf@aol.com. You can also donate to the Fund, or pur a soldier in need in touch with the organization, by visiting fwsf.org.


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