WHEELING - To aid in its work to serve local veterans in need, Helping Heroes is slated to host its ninth annual fundraiser on May 20 at River City Restaurant in downtown Wheeling.
"A Night to Remember" is set from 5:30-10 p.m. with doors opening at 5 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Donnie Gilbert.
The cost is $30 per ticket or two tickets for $50. Ticket purchase includes dinner. There will be a cash bar along with a prize wheel, basket raffles, silent auction, a 50-50 raffle and more.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.Etix.com; type in "Helping Heroes," or at the Helping Heroes office, 2005 Eoff St., Suite 200, or at the door at the event.
Jeremy Harrison, co-founder of Helping Heroes, said the fundraiser continues to grow each year. When it first began it raised about $3,000. Now it raises up to $24,000 annually.
The money raised allows the organization to help veteran families who do not qualify for certain grants used to fund Helping Heroes programs. The money raised during the dinner helps veteran families who, for example, may have had an illness in the family and they have fallen behind on house or car payments.
Helping Heroes operates on three grants - one helps veterans who are homeless or on the verge becoming homeless with rent and utilities. Another grant covers the cost of transitional housing, case management, job training and finding a job. And a third grant allows the group to operate its emergency shelter.
"This is our signature event," Harrison noted of the dinner.
The menu includes stuffed chicken, vegetable lasagna, green beans, potato salad and bread.
Harrison said he chose the title for the fundraiser, "A Night to Remember," because he wants people to remember the sacrifices veterans have made and the care they need after their service.
"We want to remember those we have lost through suicide," he said. "It's also the weekend before Memorial Day so we want to remember those who died in service to the country, what we do and who veterans still need help."
In addition to emergency help, Helping Heroes also continues to offer its weekly food pantry for veterans on Tuesdays from noon to 3 p.m. The pantry is for any veteran family. People are asked to call ahead at 304-232-0114.
Helping Heroes also offers help for veterans seeking general information and services related to VA benefits, medical help and suicide prevention help.