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WHEELING -- The public is invited and encouraged to come out and salute U.S. military veterans and first responders during the Sixth Annual Heroes Ball in downtown Wheeling.
The event takes place on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, at River City. A cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., and dinner catered by River City will be served at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $35 per person for non-veterans.
"This year, thanks to our sponsors, all attending veterans' meals are covered," said Ervin Fulst, who along with his wife, Brandy, co-founded the annual event. "We've received numerous donations to cover the costs for all attending veterans."
Veterans attending this year's event are asked to register and to provide their branch of service and years of service for individual recognition during the program.
"We are open to the public," Brandy Fulst said.
"It's not just for veterans, the brave men and women in the military, and first responders. It's also for their supporters."
As always, the event is open to people of all ages. Brandy Fulst noted that each year, everyone has a great time at the Heroes Ball - from youngsters to teenagers to seasoned veterans of all ages.
Children ages 5 and under can also dine for free.
In the past, the event was a semi-formal ball. For service personnel, uniforms are welcome, as long as they are permitted by the department. However, this year is a "come-as-you-are" event, so everything from formal to casual attire is welcome.
"It's very family oriented and kid-friendly," Brandy Fulst said. "There's something for everyone. Everyone looks forward to it, even the kids. It's a very inspirational event."
There will be dinner, dancing, raffles, cake-cutting and other ceremonial tributes taking place during the event. The Heroes Ball will also celebrate the Marine Corps birthday - which actually takes place on Nov. 10, marking 248 years of service in the United States.
"I'm a Marine Corps veteran, and I've been in law enforcement for 20 years," Ervin Fulst said. Brandy Fulst is also an emergency medical services worker and firefighter with the Quaker City Fire Department, where her husband also serves.
So honoring those who serve is something that hits close to the family's heart, they noted. That's what drives them to put on the Heroes Ball every year.
The Heroes Ball is a nonprofit event. Any proceeds garnered this year will be rolled over to help cover the cost for next year's extravaganza. Special rates for local hotels will be available for the evening for those coming from out of town. Guests attending the Heroes Ball are asked to bring one new and unwrapped gift as a donation to the Toys for Tots program - the annual holiday drive operated by the U.S. Marine Corps.
Tickets to the upcoming event can be purchased on the Heroes Ball official Facebook event page, or via PayPal at paypal.me/heroesball.
For questions or additional information about the Sixth Annual Heroes Ball, send an email to heroes.ball@yahoo.com or drop a line on the Facebook event page.