Veterans Benefit Raises Over 160,000 Lindens

 

On Wednesday January 4, there was a benefit concert at Veterans Isle. This was the monthly fundraising event for Homes For Our Troops. It was organized in part by Frets Nirvana, with Bri McMahon helping out. The action would take place in a building far above the sim.

We are kicking off our 2023 series of benefits for Homes For Our Troops tonight and we have a great lineup.  Right now DJ Zack Friller is kicking off the evening...spinning great tunes.  Up next is Chapman Zane providing great Americana down to earth music!  Look at the lineup for the evening!

Come on out and help those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Zack Friller was the opening act at 4PM with his DJing session.  He was followed at 5PM by Chapman Zane. At 6PM, it was Quart's turn to hop on stage. Franklee Anatra would sing at 7PM. Last but hardly least was Jesie Janick who closed things off from 8PM to just after 9PM (Midnight EST). 

 

As the musicians performed, the crowd would donate to two house-shaped kiosks on either side of the stage. On occasion, Frets or someone else would challenge the audience to donate a certain amount, then match it. "Let's try this again. As soon as we hit 20,000 I will put in 2000 linden,10% on your money again!" "Hey folks, we only need 1400 to get to 160k right now. That is about $5 in real-life ...mmm ..that would buy what?  A giant coke?  A Starbucks?  Give that up, help a vet and keep your New Year's Resolution to lose weight!!" And the crowd did time and time again, "There is no one more deserving on a good home than a severely injured veteran."

People were also reminded what the charity was about, "In order to apply to the HFOT  program, a post-9/11 Veteran must have been injured while in theatre and qualify for the VA Specially Adapted Housing grant.  These Veterans typically have loss of one or more limbs, blind, TBI, etc.  they must have the letter saying they qualify to apply. Once a Veteran applies to the HFOT program they are brought up to HFOT headquarters for a three day conference to make sure HFOT homes are a good fit for them, and them for our program." 

 

"HFOTS also will never cold call you for money. They are evaluated as one of America’s Top-Rated Veterans and Military Charities, and accredited with the BBB. Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) was started in 2004 by a Massachusetts general contractor who offered to build a Massachusetts Army National Guard Soldier a specially adapted custom home. The Soldier, who had been injured in Iraq, agreed to have him build the home on the condition he do the same for other injured Veterans."

"HFOT is a 4 star charity according to Charity Navigator are considered a top rated Veteran and Military Charity. Nearly 90 cents of every dollar donated to HFOT goes directly towards the building program!  This is incredible.  The industry standard says if you can find a charity 65 cents or above that is good."

"HFOT builds homes in any state in the country where the Veterans choose to rebuild their lives.  They have currently built in 46 states.  Veterans will typically choose to settle near family and friends, close to medical services and warmer climates.  Prosthetics can easily freeze and the cold weather itself can reap havoc on them. Every Veteran who does receive a home has a Support Specialist assigned to them to keep in touch for many years to make sure they are doing well and have access to any supplemental services they may need."

Eventually, it was the end of the show. "As always amazing Jesie, miss you girl, so much it is amazing hearing you sing again - mwah!" "Thank you so much everyone for your amazing support of Jesie and also Homes For Our Troops. Love each and everyone of you!! Thank you so much Frets for having us and for your amazing support and dedication to Homes for Our Troops you are truly a legend sir!"

 

The final total raised was 162,943 Linden dollars. Bri would tell me the next event should be on Wednesday February 1.

To learn more about Homes for Our Troops, check https://www.hfotusa.org .

 

Bixyl Shuftan