NEW: Veterans Inc. to Host Biennial Gala Military Ball this Saturday

Thursday, October 18, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Lifestyle Team

Veterans Inc. will be hosting its Biennial Gala Military Ball this Saturday at the Massachusetts National Guard Military Museum in Worcester.

The Gala Military Ball is the largest fundraiser that Veterans Inc. puts on every two years.

"The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of the great work Veterans, Inc. does as an agency all around New England, and raise money for veterans in need and their families," says Amanda Riik, Public Relations and Outreach Manager for Veterans, Inc.

Veterans, Inc. is currently the largest provider of services to veterans and their families in New England

At the ball, Veterans Inc. will present the Massachusetts Minuteman Award for Support of Our Veterans to Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray and The Whiting Award for Philanthropy will be presented to Susan and John Lawrence of Pepper’s Fine Catering.

The Massachusetts Minuteman Award is given to an individual or organization that has demonstrated service and support to veterans and their families. For, Vincent Perrone, President and CEO of Veterans, Inc., it is fitting that this award go to the Lieutenant Governor.

"Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray has truly shown dedication to not only the veterans in our programs, but to all veterans who have served and to those members that are currently serving in the military," Perrone said. "He has volunteered in our dining hall, serving meals to homeless and needy veterans and their families, and has helped in our food bank, passing out turkeys and food boxes to families during our Thanksgiving Holiday Harvest. He has hosted round table discussions with Veterans of our programs to understand their needs. Tim has been a staunch supporter of veterans throughout the Commonwealth. He created a statewide task force on homelessness among veterans. As Chairman of the Governor's Advisory Council on Veterans' Services, he has worked to strengthen existing services, expand benefits, and focus on healthcare and workforce needs for our veterans and our servicemen and women once they return to Massachusetts"

Denis Leary, the Executive Director of Veterans, Inc., explains why Susan and John Lawrence will be receiving the Philanthropy Award.

"Susan and John Lawrence of Pepper's Fine Catering have demonstrated unparalleled compassion to the veterans of our community for more than a decade," Leary said. They have generously supported our organization by providing both an impressive array of resources directly to our veterans like culinary arts training, and by providing event leadership for our fundraising projects such as food acquisition and all aspects of food service catering for our Gala Military Ball. The passion and dedication Susan and John put forth year after year make our events successful and shows a level of patriotism and social responsibility not often seen."

Cocktail Hour will be begin at 6 pm and doors will open for dinner at 7 pm. A presentation will be given starting at 7:10 pm, while all speeches and awards will begin around 8:10 pm. The rest of the evening will be reserved for entertainment, including dancing to the Ron Stone & the Milestones Big Band, and a performance by the USO-style “Victory Belles.”

For more information about Veterans, Inc. click here.