Media Release: Anacortes Rotary Fall event Friday, Oct. 13
The Causland American Legion Post Veterans Service Office is the designated beneficiary of the Anacortes Rotary “Tailgate Honoring Anacortes Veterans” fall fundraiser. Date for the event is Friday, October 13
“We are working with our local Legion Post and its three service officers to make sure this essential outreach program continues to aid local veterans. It is a program with proven results,” said Anacortes Rotary President Krista Oicles.
Here are narratives of veterans recently assisted by the Causland Post program:
• A World War II veteran suffers a near fatal heart attack. His wife, while hurriedly applying for her husband’s benefits, suffers a serious stroke. Both land in local hospital intensive care units.
• A Vietnam Veteran, first struggling to assist with an adult child’s substance abuse problem, then faces medical care for his wife’s heart attack. The bills come to more than $60,000.
• An Iraq Veteran strains to keep a job while trying to support his wife and five children, ages 3 to 14, as they live in a 28-foot trailer in a local campground.
These real-life examples of local veterans and their families show who is helped — and will continue to be helped – through Anacortes Rotary’s "Raise the Paddle" auction event. Recognizing the 2,500 local veterans and their health care needs, Anacortes Rotary Club officials say they named the highly successful outreach program as a top fundraising objective for this year’s fall event.
“A big challenge facing many veterans is how to navigate the Veterans Administration system of benefits and health care.” Said Rotary Tailgate Chair Bonnie Bowers. “Every day, the Veterans Service Officers of the Causland Post work with Vets who need counseling, help with medication management, wound care, mobility equipment training and hospice care equipment and supplies. Our funding partnership with the Veterans Service Office is an innovative approach to addressing these challenges.”
“As this year’s designated beneficiary, the Veterans Service Office, is at the forefront of our fall fundraiser,” Bowers said. “Thanks to our generous citizens and sponsors, the Anacortes Rotary Club has been able to fund more than $70,000 each year for community and international projects and programs—strategies like Causland Post officers that truly make a difference for Anacortes. We are looking forward to a great fall event.”
More than 200 people are expected to enjoy a fabulous dinner in a huge hangar at Anacortes Airport Friday, October 13. Along with food and beverages, the event will feature a live auction for bids on appealing auction experiences and items. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are $85 per person.
Tickets are available from Anacortes Rotarians or on-line at: www.anacortesrotarytailgate.com
“We sincerely appreciate all the local support we have seen for our local veterans and their families as well as for our Rotary efforts to make our community a better place to live and raise a family,” said Oicles. “Please make plans now to attend the October 13 event to support this essential program.”
In addition to the Causland Legion Post Veterans Service Officers, the event will generate financial support for a range of Anacortes Rotary charitable efforts. Major sponsors include Burton Waring, Strandberg Construction and Williams & Nulle, PLLC.