NEWS & STORIES
The Inaugural ‘Flies for Freedom’ raises $10,000 for the Coatesville VAMC Program
On the evening of November 10, 2016 the Coatesville, PA Program held their first “Flies For Freedom” fundraiser at the Phoenixville Country Club in Phoenixville, PA. Matthew Seymour, PHWFF Coatesville Fundraiser Co-Chair recounts this special evening. “I was honored and humbled to be amongst magnificent volunteers, deserving participants, and generous donors.” – Bob Fitch, Chairman of the Board PHWFF
Oh what a night! Thanks to each the volunteers, the participants, our family at the VA, our donors (and prize sponsors), our wives and husbands – the evening was a massive success! We raised in excess of $10,000 for our Project Healing Waters Program at the Coatesville VA. Simply amazing! Speakers for the evening included Mr. Bob Fitch , Chairman of the Board of Directors for Project Healing Waters, Chuck Cutshall, the Fundraiser Chairperson & longtime volunteer at CVAMC, Laurie Shannon-Bailey our VA “den mother”, Charles “Sarge Speakman” vet graduate and key volunteer, and Jason Scrafford, jarhead- inresidence, master fly tyer & CVAMC graduate! Over 70 guests dined that evening on salmon or NY Strip steaks. As part of our program we offered an amazing array of silent auction prizes.
The auction items alone raised more than $2000! We are moved by the loving collaboration this event elicited. We have witnessed some political strife in the wake of our national elections, but on Thursday night there were no political philosophies preventing good people from opening their hearts to our vets. Bless you all.
Below are some photos from the evening
Charles “Sarge” Speakman
Matthew Seymour
Bob Fitch
Laurie Shannon Bailey VAVS