By Bill Petzold
Editor
As November approaches, various groups are preparing for annual Veterans Day events and observances.
Fundraiser to support Anka Akron
AKRON — It all started with an idea to help out homeless vets for Jeannie Mosher, and it evolved into an afternoon of live music and product sales she hopes will raise funds to support the Anka Akron Veterans transitional housing program.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 25, Mosher and others will be at the Anka house. Mosher will be selling Pampered Chef items and donating 100 percent of her commission to Anka, while Bill Vargo will be selling Scentsy products and donating his commission to the home. Jasmine also will be selling Premier Designs jewelry and donating most of her commission, and Dennis Sweet of Jeremy Cleland Sports Cards will be on hand selling sports cards and donating 100 percent of the profit to Anka.
The Amazing Nathan Sweet also is scheduled to perform live music during the sale.
Anka’s primary goal is to link housing with ongoing support services for homeless veterans. The program also aims to improve veterans’ quality of life, overall health and well-being and provides support for veterans with chronic health and psychiatric conditions. The ultimate goal is to help vets learn coping techniques and secure permanent housing so they can transition to independent living.
Spirit to host Military Appreciation Night
SAGINAW — The Saginaw Spirit hockey team will host a Military Appreciation Night event Saturday, November 1 at the Dow Event Center with free admission for vets and military personnel and
But this event will feature a bit of star power. The evening’s special guest speaker will be retired Col. Danny R. McKnight, who was featured in the movie Black Hawn Down and authored another book about the event called Streets of Mogadishu. McKnight will sell and autograph copies of the book, with a portion of the proceeds going to Military Families United.
Military Families United is a national coalition that offers programs and resources for Gold Star families who have lost a family member in the line of duty, Blue Star families who have a loved one currently in the military, veterans and those who simply wish to support and honor U.S. military personnel past, present and future. MFU founder John Ellsworth will be a guest speaker at the event, and a special $13 ticket to the game
Doors open at 2:30 p.m. for a free pre-game event that includes a chance to buy McKnight’s book and speak to him, as well as inflatables for the kids, musical entertainment by the Leo Feith Band, Tittabawassee Drum and Fife Corp and Brothers in Song, as well as representatives from military support organizations who will be on hand to speak to veterans and help them get connected with the services available to them.
The Spirit will square off later that evening at 7:11 p.m. against the Soo Greyhounds wearing special military jerseys that will be auctioned after the game by Art Lewis. All veterans and active duty military will receive a free ticket to the game.
McKnight will drop the puck at the start of the game, and there will be a special recognition of Gold Star Families. Organizer Judy Adams said a couple Tuscola County veterans are expected to attend and will be honored during the event.
For more information about Military Appreciation Night, call Dan Weigl at (989) 497-7747 or email dweigl@saginawspirit.com.