The second annual Patriot Park Foundation fundraising dinner, on August 22nd, proved to be another stellar event, raising approximately $27,000 in just one night.
We had the honor of hearing Col Gregory Gadson, US Army Retired, speak about his experiences as a GWOT Veteran and the attack that took both of his legs in Iraq. We all came away with a deep and profound appreciation of his outstanding courage and fortitude in the face of adversity.
Earlier in the evening we were treated to the performance of a patriotic medley by Danny Conner, and heartfelt remarks by the major event sponsor Ken Yingling from LCT Energy, LP.
Board member Bill Szych gave an update on the progress that was made in the Park over the last year, such as the demolition of the house on the highway, the blacktopping of the entrance road and parking area, and the addition of a Gold Star Memorial–the first of its kind in Pennsylvania, new story boards, and new and improved road signs
Later in the evening it was announced that, thanks to an anonymous donor, a $50,000 matching donation challenge had been received. All donations up to $50,000 received by Veterans Day will be matched by this donor. What an amazingly generous gift!
There are many others we want to thank for their generosity that night, as well as all the volunteers who helped out before and after the event. Special mention goes to Robindale, LCT Energy, LP. Somerset Trust Company, GapVax, 1st Summit Bank, Veteran Community Initiatives and Fearless Leasing. Also, a thank you goes out to all our table sponsors and vendors who helped make this night an amazing success.
With an additional push of end-of-year donors buoyed by the anonymous matching donor, we should finish the year in the best financial shape of our young non-profit life, and set the stage for even more improvements in 2025.
Visitors to Patriot Park are truly impressed with what they encounter as they learn about the military’s sacrifices in fighting the wars since 9/11, and appreciative that everything on our 17 acres is the result of the good will and hard work of everyday Americans…like you.
