The Veterans Of South Pinellas County Inc. (VSPC) invite the community to their major fundraising event on Saturday, April 14, 10 am – 4 pm at Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St Pete Beach.
The annual charity benefits veterans and first responders in need with interim wheelchair and mobility aids, small home repairs, emergency assistance, and Veterans Scholarship Assistance Grants. This pet and family-friendly event is free to all, with complimentary parking available nearby.
Major event sponsor is AARP Florida Inc. with in-kind sponsors including Publix, Stanley / Black and Decker, and a donation from Rainbow 411/GSH Radio Advertising.
Event Highlights include a Military Enlistment Ceremony with VSPC’s Harry Metz presiding, the AVAST Color Guard, and Major Colleen Krepstekies (USAR) conducting the induction; Representatives will attend from Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Benefits Office; DAV Mobile Service Office; Tampa/St. Pete Vet Center for special counseling; Bay Pines National Cemetery; and Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections, voter registration/information.
Also, One Blood Bloodmobile; Military Vehicles from local Recruiting Stations; Kid’s Fishing Rodeo sponsored by Gulf to Bay Bait & Tackle Shop, SPB; Live Music by Boat of Us & The Stowaways (Bob & Mo Manola, Fraser Smith and Chris Dawson) and Raizin Jane (led by Robert Tuell).
Also, “Get the Picture” Photo Booth in a restored gangster-style 1934 Plymouth Sedan; and Angela’s Car Show presented by Angela “Tiger Lady” Recchia with a blend of Classic, Restored, Street Rod, & Stock Show cars, plus on-site car competition at $10 per entry, with 30 trophies awarded.
Food & Drink vendors include St. Pete Beach Firefighters Union, Ipswich Clambake Co., Fresh Maid Ice Cream churned all day, Tru-Philly Ices & Pretzels, and VSPC with domestic & draft beer, and wine. Other vendors include the Friends of the St. Pete Beach Public Library; author Wayne McDowell with his Not Just Another War Story and Not Just Another Love Story; and through SIK Promotions: Betty’s Bright Ideas LLC, apparel & caps; Scentsy by Ray Jenns, candles & warmers; and Accuveterans, acupuncture treatments, among others.
VSPC Mission & Success
The dedicated VSPC Event Committee includes Harry Metz, Brenda Reed, Brooks Cavender, Howard Fletcher, Virginia McNivens, Wayne MacDowell, Lance Peterson, Matthew Shankweiler, Milton White, Betsy Judge, Jon Ochampaugh and Terrie Lowden.
Brooks Cavender told Paradise News, “For many years, VSPC has devoted its energy through donations of money and time to passionately advocate for our veterans who have given so much for our country, and for our first responders.
“Our main purpose is to conduct fundraising events for charitable and civic purposes, and to make distributions to other charitable 503(C)(3) organizations. Our staff is all volunteer-based and takes no salaries. We support our communities through patriotic civic activities that include donating POW/MIA flags to schools, Fire Stations, and various civic institutions, and working with Florida Blood Services to help the needs of our local community.
“We show allegiance to our veterans who have served our nation and those who are on active and reserve service. Our mission is to serve those who have proudly served our country, and to promote civic and patriotic allegiance to the United States of America through charity and volunteerism.”
For more information, to volunteer or donate, call 727-244-1117, visit our website at: http://vetsofspc.org/ or visit us on Facebook at Veterans-of-South-Pinellas-County-Inc.
Story by Steve Traiman