CLEARFIELD – Community support made an inaugural Veterans Appreciation Day event a huge success.
Hosted by the Clearfield County Veteran’s Affairs Office in conjunction with Curwensville Lake, the event was held Sept. 21 at the lake to say “thank you” and a show of appreciation to local veterans.
It featured a cornhole tournament and cruise-in, food and craft vendors, a nice-sized flea market and impressive Chinese auction and a delicious display of baked goods that were available for sale.
“It was amazing; I almost cried,” expressed Veteran’s Affairs Director Misty Doran, adding how members of two local churches had baked over 300 containers of breads, pies, cakes, cookies, fudge and more.
And then, “our donors to the basket raffle really went above and beyond raising a great deal for our veterans,” with the helping hands of a family of volunteers selling auction tickets for us.
“It felt like family supporting family—all day … I think we—in this day and age—[tend] to forget what truly kind people we have in our community.”
So, “I’ll forever remember this moment,” expressed Doran, and their desire to take nothing away—no credit, no recognition. They were simply there to bless our veterans, “and our veterans really felt it—uplifted and cared for.”
They also had a gun raffle, a separate auction for a hand-made patriotic quilt and afghan blanket and free veterans-only raffles for a patriotic art piece, laptop computer and more.
Each veteran in attendance received a free gift card and a bag of gifts. They were also able to learn about and become connected with available resources at the Veterans Resource Center.
Representatives from Clearfield’s Historic Crown Crest Cemetery were on-hand selling wreaths to support its upcoming Wreaths Across America project this December that will remember and honor its veterans.
Heather Olson-Desmett of Curwensville performed the national anthem and local veteran Hank Tatum offered opening remarks before praying blessings over the day’s festivities and fellowship.
Though there isn’t a final tally yet, Doran estimated that event proceeds currently exceed $3,800. All funds raised will help the Veteran’s Affairs Office meet the needs of the county’s approximately 5,507 known veterans.
Doran thanked every vendor, organization and volunteer that made the day a success including her office secretary April Johnson, Ken Williams and two very special local women who wish to have no public recognition.
“We couldn’t have done it without them.”
Doran also thanked Curwensville Lake, Shawneeeee Cornhole of DuBois, Bob’s Army & Navy Store of Clearfield and State Rep. Mike Armanini for their support of the event.
Plans are already underway for next year and community members interested in getting involved, as well as with helping meet the needs of local veterans are encouraged to attend monthly veterans outreach meetings.
Meetings are held on the last Thursday of every month at 4:30 p.m. in the county commissioners’ conference room at the Clearfield County Administrative Offices, located at 212 E. Locust St., Clearfield.