Eric Calley, a veteran and recipient of the Semper Fi Fund's help, was our guest speaker. He brought his service dog Sun with him, and shared with us how he was able to get him with assistance from the Semper Fi organization. Meeting Eric and hearing his story brought to life the importance of the work the organization provides to our veterans. We are thankful we were able to meet Eric and Sun.
Throughout the evening, people bought raffle tickets and bid on silent auction items that were donated to us. Almost 50% of the money we raised came from these donations, so we are thankful to every person, business or organization that contributed.
Following dinner, the Classics Band played songs ranging from country to rock and had people up on their feet dancing. We are thankful they were able to share their time and talents with us.
Finally, we'd like to thank the Eagle members who helped with the fundraiser. Our Worthy President John Watkins chose Semper Fi as his charity because he is a veteran and wanted to help fellow vets. John, and his wife Toni, along with help from Diane Moore, Barb Tomlinson, Virginia Truran, Ginger and Keith Bruder, Tela Fountain, Gary and Kathy Smith, Rosemary Inman, Nancy Fruit, Jim and Laura McGuire, Keith Murray, Mike Cullen, Pat Pickup, and Sue Delongchamp all contributed behind the scenes to make the fundraiser possible. We're thankful for them and anyone else we might have forgotten to name for their help.
We are a “People Helping People” organization and the money we raised will enable the Semper Fi Fund to in turn help our veterans. Take a bow, everyone. Ooh-Rah!
We are seeking additional photos from this event. If you have photos you'd be willing to share with us from the evening, please email them to us at [email protected]. Thanks!