2017 Fall Conference:

ACTIVITIES:

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FUNDRAISING EVENTS:

2017 CONVENTION RECAP:

• A new resolution passed during the Legion General Session to make PROJECT:VetRelief an official program of the American Legion, Department of Florida
• Received $14,841.55 in donations from the Legion Family
• Trained 102 VetRelief Advocates, and received 100% positive feedback from a class survey
• Awarded 36 Posts and 25 Squadrons with their PVR Challenge awards and ribbons
• Sold ALL PVR polos in Legion’s Emblem Sales
• Distributed 4,000+ brochures to Legion Family members to take back to their Posts*

If you missed the chance to attend an Advocate Training, don’t worry! Additional classes will be held at the Department Fall Conference this November. Stay tuned for more details.

* For promotional items, such as brochures or fliers, contact Jennifer Cooper by sending an email to jcooper@floridalegion.org or call 407-295-2631

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COMMANDER’S FUNDRAISING PROJECT:

Every year the Florida Legion Department Commander encourages Legion Posts to raise money for a specific charity, or charities, for their Fundraising Project. Steve Shuga, thenewly elected Department Commander, has chosen PROJECT: VetRelief as his primary chartiy of choice. Commander Shuga has set a goal to collect a total of $50,000 during his one-year term as Department Commander. The Legion Posts are asked to make a one-time donation or hold fundraising event(s) to help him reach his goal. Once the goal of $50,000 has been met, he has decided that any additional donations submitted will go towards other Florida Legion Programs. However, the Legion Family can still contribute to PVR by making donations directly payable to PROEJCT: VetRelief. As an added bonus, any donations that are submitted through the Commander’s Fundraising Project will also count towards the PVR Challenge. The Challenge details are still the same as last year where Posts are encouraged to donate $1.00 per member of their Post. However, the Challange incentives will be different than last year, and will be announced during the Fall Conference in November. Be sure you don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS – Upcoming Events

4TH ANNUAL RL JAMES CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

When: Friday, September 8, 2017

Where: Tranquilo Golf Club at Four, Seasons Resort, Orlando (Map It)

Time: Registration – 7:00AM | Shotgun – 8:30AM

Cost: $150 – Individual Player | $600 – Foursome

Host: RL James General Contractor

*Sponsorships Available

Join us for day of golf, great food, fun contests and chances to win cool prizes!

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2ND ANNUAL ALR CORAL HEAD MUSIC FEST

When: Saturday, February 17, 2018

Where: Marathon, FL (Map It)

Time: 11:00AM – 11:00PM

Tickets: $30 – Early Bird Special | $40 – At the Gate

Host: Legion Riders Chapter 154

Bands: Great White, Slaughter, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Lazy Bonez, and many more!

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

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Support Cases – Year End Totals

NEXT ADVOCATE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY

PVR CHALLENGE – Don’t miss the deadline!

Don’t delay, get your donations in today! This is the last month for Posts and Squadrons to send in their donations to be eligible for awards during the Department Convention in June. Donations must be sent to Department Headquarters and post marked on or before May 31, 2017 to qualify. Year end meetings are around the corner. That’s a great time for you to vote and approve donations.

As you can see from our case support numbers below, the demand and need for our financial assistance program is there and only growing! More and more military families are learning of the wonderful opportunity we are able to provide them during their difficult times. And, since last year, we trending to double the number of families we’re able to help within a year – something we are very proud of!

However, it’s going to take the support from the Legion Family to continue our mission of providing the necessary assistance to our service members and their families. If your Post or Squadron has not gotten involved or sent in a donation to meet your PVR Challange goal, do so today!

It is our duty, as a veteran service organization, to be there for our veteran community, and this is one way you can do that! By donating to PROJECT: VetRelief, your impact gives us the ability to reach more families that need to keep their lights on, or stay out of the streets.

If you are a supporter of PROJECT: VetRelief outside of the Florida American Legion Family, you can still help us by making a donation to impact the lives of our service members.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to help your fellow veterans with the assistance they need!

For PVR Challenge Leaderboard and Details,
click here to visit the website

Just A Few Weeks Until Department Convention

Want to be a part of the PROJECT: VetRelief Team? Seize the opportunity at The American Legion, Department of Florida Annual Convention, June 29th-July 2nd at Marriott’s Orlando World Center. We would love to have you join us for a class!

Class details have been finalized and are below. Both classes will be held in theAtlanta/Boston room in the Convention Area of the hotel. (view map) Class space is limited, so be sure to register ahead of time. Anyone who signed up recently using the online VetRelief Advocate form will be sent the official class registration link.

Thursday, June 29th: 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Friday, June 30th: 4:30 – 5:30 PM

(Class times are subject to change)

Registration Link:
https://projectvetrelief.org/classregistration/

Calling all trained Advocates – volunteers are needed to answer questions, spark the interest of the Legion Family, and pass out marketing materials at our booth in the vendor area. Let Jennifer Cooper know if this is something you’d like to do, as we’d love to have your help!

We look forward to seeing you there!

In case you missed it…

The West Volusia Regional Chamber of Commerce held their 6th Annual Charity Ride on Sunday, April 9th. The event had several pit stop locations where riders and drivers could enjoy food, music, prizes, and a silent auction.

Several Legion Rider Chapters participated in the event and had a wonderful afternoon of fun and networking. Below, Post 6 Commander Jim Deal, our case worker Michael Beaven, and Post 255 Commander Loren King attended the check presentation at the Camber receiving the proceeds from the day-long event, $4,000!

Thank you to everyone who attended!

CONVENTION IS AROUND THE CORNER!

Want to be a part of the PROJECT: VetRelief Team? Seize the opportunity at The American Legion, Department of Florida Annual Convention, June 29th-July 2nd at Marriott’s Orlando World Center. We would love to have you join us for a class!

Class details are being finalized, so days and times have not been confirmed. However, if you are interested, fill out the “Become a VetRelief Advocate*” form on the website, the link is below. The official class registration link will be sent to those who have signed up. Class space is limited, so be sure to register ahead of time.

Become a VetRelief Advocate* Link: CLICK HERE

Calling all trained Advocates – Would you like to have another Advocate Round Table Discussion during this year’s Convention? The Round Table is a networking opportunity to get to know other Advocates and meet our new Case Worker, Michael Beaven. We also have a few new items to share and discussion topics to talk about. Let Jennifer Cooper know today if you’re interested.

Also, volunteers are needed to answer questions, spark the interest of the Legion Family, and pass out marketing materials at our booth in the vendor area. Let Jennifer Cooper know if this is something you’d like to do, as we’d love to have your help!

We look forward to seeing you there!

*Advocates must be a Legion Family Member – Legionnaire, Auxiliary or SAL Member

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Donate Now – PVR Challenge 

By now, you should have heard about the PVR Challenge. If not, you’re missing out!

The Challenge was initiated by Department Commander Joe Magee and the PVR Board President John Dollinger to help us reach our goal of providing financial assistance to a service member or veteran every work day – that’s 260 families in one year.

The Legion Family can help us reach this goal! – If your Post has not gotten involved or sent in a donation to meet your PVR Challange goal, do so today! Your challenge goal is pretty simple, donate $1 for every member of your Post. We need all Posts and Squadrons to participate in this challenge so we can continue to provide the necessary help to Florida’s veterans and their families!

As a veteran service organization, helping veterans is what YOU do! By donating to PROJECT: VetRelief, you give our program the ability to reach more families who need us to keep their lights on, or a roof over their head.

 

All Posts and Squadrons who have made a contribution before May 31, 2017 will be eligible for awards and prizes at the upcoming Convention. So, don’t miss out!

 

If you are a supporter of PROJECT: VetRelief outside of the Legion Family, you can still help us by making a donation to impact the lives of our service members.

 

Thank you to the following Posts and Squadrons for participating in our Challenge!

 

 For PVR Challenge Details, click here to visit the website

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The results are in…

Our Board Vice President, Bob James, travelled to Post 154 in Marathon, FL for the check presentation from the ALR Coral Head Music Fest. Little did we know that the check was for $16,200!!

Thank you to all members who dedicated their time and energy into throwing a successful inaugural event; especially Rich Anderson, the mastermind behind the entire event. 

They have already set a date for next year, Saturday, February 17, 2018. You won’t want to miss it!

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Upcoming events

4/9/17 – 6th Annual Charity Ride
West Volusia County, FL

Time: Registration – 9:30AM | Kick Stands Up – 10:30AM

Starting Location: 
Foxhead Lounge
280 State Rte 415
Osteen, FL 32764 (Map It)

Host: West Volusia Regional Chamber of Commerce

Cost: $15/person *Additional Playing Cards for $1.00 each

All vehicles are welcome: Bikes, Cars, Trucks, Buses, etc.
Click here for more details!

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FUNDRAISING EVENT RECAP

ALR Coral Head Music Fest – 2/18/17

The Legion Riders Chapter 154 put on an all day music festival featuring several bands and vendors in Marathon City Park Amphitheater in Marathon, FL. The American Legion, Department of Florida Adjutant, Michael McDaniel, made the trip down with the PROJECT: VetRelief trailer to support the event. Also, PVR’s Board Vice President, Bob James, supported the event by becoming a sponsor with his company RL James General Contractor. 

Many event attendees came out to see the two headliner bands: Molly Hatchet and The Georgia Satellites. Be on the look out for the total amount raised from this inaugural event! 

The date for next year’s event has already been booked, Saturday, February 17, 2018. Mark your calendars now, because you won’t want to miss it!

Welcome – Michael Beaven

Please help us welcome aboard Michael Beaven to our team. He is our new Case Worker. Michael is an Army tank mechanic veteran and was stationed in Germany, Fort Knox, and Fort Benning. He joined the American Legion in Sellersburg, Indiana and moved to Florida in September 2014. Now, he’s a current member of Post 6 in DeLand.

PVR Challenge Central Update

We have a goal for 2017 of having the ability to help one service member or veteran every work day. – If you do the math, that is 260 military or veteran families in one year!

 

We are well on our way to reaching that goal, as we are getting more and more financial assistance applications on a regular basis. However, our limited funds can prevent us from reaching this goal, even though we have plenty of families who still need our help. We have to have strict guidelines due to the lack of resources. 

 

But, YOU can help us reach this goal! – If you are a Florida Legion Family member, make sure your Post has gotten involved with the Challenge and has sent in a donation to meet their PVR Challenge Goal. Posts can make a one time donation or hold a fundraising event to meet your challenge goal.

 

As a veteran services organization, helping veterans is what YOU do! By donating to PROJECT: VetRelief you give our program the ability to reach more and more families who need us to keep their lights on, or a roof over their head.

 

If you are a supporter of PROJECT: VetRelief outside of the Legion Family, you can still help us by making a donation to impact the lives of our service members.

 

Thank you to the following Posts and Squadrons for participating in our Challenge! Way to go SAL Post 148 for staying in first place for the third month in a row!

 For PVR Challenge Details, click here to visit the website

WE NEED YOU…

The demand has increased as more people learn about our newest Legion progam. In just the first 6 months of our fiscal year we have already helped 127 military families with financial assistance through the PROJECT: VetRelief Fund and National’s Temporary Financial Assistance program.

We are tracking to more than double the number of cases we did last year! Take a look at the graphs below showing the level of support given through the PROJECT: VetRelief Fund. You can see the drastic change in the number of support cases that we have provided to our service members.

They need us! And, we need YOU!

Now, more than ever, we need the support of the Legion Family to help us continue our mission of providing assistance to our service members in their time of need!

Here’s how you can help – If you are a Florida Legion Family member, get your Post involved in the PVR Challenge that was initiated at the Fall Conference. Posts can make a one time donation or hold a fundraising event to meet their Challenge Goals. Be sure to check out the PVR Challenge Central for details and leader board of participating Posts and Squadrons!

If you are a supporter of PROJECT: VetRelief outside of the Legion Family, join in one of our upcoming fundraising events, or make a donation to impact the lives of our service members.

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS:

• 2/18/17 – Coral Head MusicFest, Marathon, FL – Come rock out during a full day concert event. Featured bands include: Molly Hatchet, and the Georgia Satellites. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Hosted by  the Riders Chapter 154 
• 2/18/17 – Clam Bake, Hollywood, FL – Only 100 tickets available for this event. Contact Jennifer Cooper to reserve your seat today! Hosted by SAL Squadron 92 
• 4/15/17 – Fundraising Event Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Hosted by American Legion, Department of Florida 3rd Vice Commander Rick Johnson. Details TBD.

Click here for more information on our upcoming events.

PVR CHALLENGE CENTRAL

Each month a leader board will be posted of all donations that has been turned in.

• The Challenge is Simple – Raise $1 per member of your Post
• Donations can be sent to:

PROJECT: VetRelief
1912A Lee Road
Orlando, FL 32810

• Donations must be turned in by May 31, 2017 to count towards recognition awards
• Money raised during Post fundraising events will also count

By now, your Post should have received your Challenge packet from your Area or District Commander. If you have not received it, please contact them or Jennifer Cooper at the Department Headquarters.

Thank you to the following Posts and Squadrons for participating during our Challenge! Way to go SAL Post 148 for staying in first place for the second month in a row!

OUR SERVICES

FUNDING GUIDELINES:

1. Veteran, Active Duty Military, or Immediate Family Member (Spouse, Legal Guardian, or Child)

2. Honorable Discharge or General Under Honorable Conditions

3. Must be a Florida Resident for at least 120 days

4. Show Sustainability

5. Provided for necessities: shelter, food, utilities, and some emergency transportation and critical medical expenses

6. Application / Interview does not guarantee funding

6. Funds are awarded on a case by case basis

7. Funds are granted one time annually

To enhance communication with Veterans, we are providing individualized VA benefits assistance beyond normal business hours at a Saturday outreach event.  The St. Petersburg VA Regional Office will hold a disability claims workshop, specifically designed to make the claims process more accessible to Veterans.  Veterans from all eras will be able to file a claim for disability benefits, submit medical documents if desired, and personally speak to a VA claims processor at the event.  Additionally, they will be able to check the status of an existing claim or appeal. Acting Director Leanne Weldin will be available to meet with Veterans.

Any Veteran interested in filing a new disability claim or checking the status of an existing claim or appeal is encouraged to attend the claims workshop at the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 16, 2016.  Also, in connection with the commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, we will thank Vietnam-era Veterans with a commemorative pin. Additionally, there will be detailed information and assistance available for Vietnam Veterans regarding Agent Orange/herbicide related disabilities.

To all Veterans and families, please plan on attending to learn more about the various VA benefits available. In addition to information on the VA disability claims process, experts will be on hand to discuss vocational rehabilitation and employment, home loan guaranty, and other VA programs.  Veterans Service Organizations will also be available to provide support to Veterans.

Location information:

St. Petersburg VA Regional Office (Map It)
9500 Bay Pines Blvd
St. Petersburg, FL 33708

2015 PROJECT: VetRelief Impact Report

Let’s look at what we were able to accomplish last year, our first full year of providing our programs and services to our service members and their families…

Most Generous Branch of Service Fundraising Campaign

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