Page 16 - Boca Exposure - February '24

Page 16, Boca Exposure
Yellow Ribbon Fund To Hold First Boca Gala Feb. 22 As

Fundraiser To Support America’s Wounded Warriors

In the wake of 9/11, America’s military service members Yellow Ribbon Fund serves over 2,200 heroes each year *****
have carried the nation’s pride and pain in equal measure. and the call for generosity has never been more critical. Support For Wounded Warriors At Broken Sound And
Many have laid down their lives, while others bear the With an impressive 90 cents of every dollar received being Bocaire
indelible marks of service. Amidst this, an organization channeled directly into programs, any charitable support can It’s interesting to note that, in 2010, Broken Sound
stands steadfast in support of these valiant warriors – Yellow change lives, offering our United States service members a club member Sal Caragliano – with the same motivation
Ribbon Fund. Their dedication is to those who have served chance to revive their spirit and embrace their future. in mind as the founders of the Yellow Ribbon Fund, but
post-9/11, fostering a healing sanctuary for the injured The gala will be further distinguished by the presence completely independently – had organized the first of what
and their families, navigating the complexities of recovery of Captain Flo Groberg, a Medal of Honor recipient whose became several annual Wounded Warriors golf tournaments
beyond the hospital room. bravery in thwarting a suicide bomber in Afghanistan as fundraisers to help American military seriously wounded
The Yellow Ribbon Fund is a 501 (c)(3)national veterans epitomizes the courage Yellow Ribbon Fund stands behind. in Afghanistan returning to hospitals here. Soon after, the
service organization that support America’s wounded Opportunities for sponsorships are currently available. ever generous members of Bocaire who read about the
warriors from every branch of the United States Military More information is available on the website www. program in a community newspaper added a version of
who have served post-9/11, fostering a healing sanctuary for yellowribbonfund.org for an opportunity to ensure the Sal’s tournament to their list of charitable events. Sal later
the severely injured, their families and caregivers as they light of the Yellow Ribbon Fund reaches further and shines
navigate the complexities of recovery beyond the hospital brighter on our American heroes. Yellow Ribbon Fund on page 18
room.
Originating in 2005 in Maryland, the fund has expanded
nationally under its Executive Director, Gina Harrow, the True Treasures
daughter of Broken Sound club member Sal Caragliano.
In tribute to their remarkable work, Yellow Ribbon Fund Consigned Furniture
is holding its 14th annual gala at the Boca Raton Club on
Feb. 22. This gala, being held for the first time in Boca & Home Décor
Raton, provides an opportunity for locals to extend their
support through sponsorships and contributions.
The Yellow Ribbon Fund is the current evolution of TrueTreasuresInc.com
that organization, now national in scope, with three basic
programs that recognize not only the needs of the wounded Why pay retail when you can find a True Treasure?
themselves but those of the dedicated caregivers and
families whose daily lives have been irrevocably changed
by tragedy.
Its Crossroads Program is a beacon of support within Now Accepting
an array of initiatives. It assists service members and their Consignments
families enduring extended stays during recovery at Walter
Reed National Military Medical Center. This entails offering
no cost short- and long-term accommodations such as hotel Over $1,000,000
rooms, fully furnished apartments, and free rental cars to
alleviate logistical burdens. paid to consignors
TheKeystone Chapter Program fosters the development in 2023.
of life skills, provides vital respite and nurtures physical
health and mental wellness. With active service extended to
over 1,700 military families and over 30,000 recipients since 10% off the
its establishment, the reach spans diverse locations, including ticketed price
Tampa, South Florida, Jacksonville, N.C., Fayetteville, (Expires 2/29/2024)
N.C., Fort Campbell, Ky., Maryland, Washington, D.C.,
Virginia (DMV area), Houston, Texas, San Antonio, Texas,
Colorado Springs, Colo., National Virtual Chapters, and 3 Convenient Locations
both Southern and Northern California. 111 N US 1, 3918 Northlake Blvd, 14555 S Military Trail,
The Career Development extension of the Keystone North Palm Beach, FL 33408 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403 Delray Beach, FL 33484
program further underscores the organization’s dedication, 561-625-9569 561-699-9797
offering scholarships for over 60 veterans and caregivers 561-694-2812
annually for a 13-week adaptable course at Milspo Store Hours Mon - Sat 10 - 6, Sun 11 - 5 (Sun 12 - 5 at US 1 location only)
Academy. This has an impressive 92 percent job placement
rate, empowering military families to regain financial
independence.
Underpinning the commitment to nurturing family Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center • Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center
bonds, the Keystone Retreat Program orchestrates
opportunities for families to forge precious memories in
stress-free environments. Annually, the fund extends the
gift of sending six families to Disney and up to 13 families Ari
to the Ocean Reef Family Wellness Retreat in Key Largo,
Fla. Axelrod
Many military families have gaps in care that Yellow
Ribbon Fund fills. To fully grasp their impact, consider
Justin’s story. A retired Marine Corps Sergeant, Justin’s
journey began in Maine and took a pivotal turn in 2007 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28
during his third tour in Iraq. Struck by a sniper’s bullet 7:30 PM
outside Fallujah, he suffered a devastating injury that Life is a Cabaret: Ari’s Favorite Standards
would change his life forever. The “left foot drop” resulting An evening of standards. Well, not just standards —
from the bullet caused severe nerve and muscle damage, songs that are standards, songs that should be
challenging Justin’s ability to walk and perform daily standards, and songs that will one day become
tasks. His path to recovery, aided by the Walter Reed standards. Compositions you know and love,
National Military Medical Center (Bethesda, Md.), became served with a unique twist.
a tightrope walk between medical necessities and mounting FEB 4-24
bills. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29
During these trying times, Justin found solace and hope 2:00 PM
at Walter Reed Hospital. Walter Reed not only provided
medical attention but breathed new life into his spirit. A Place for Us: A Celebration
of Jewish Broadway
Justin’s testimony speaks volumes about Yellow Ribbon Updated with new songs and arrangements!
Fund’s transformative effect. But like many aspects of Ari’s internationally acclaimed, award-winning
recovery, maintaining his leg brace, an essential component show honors the songs and stories of Jewish composers
of his rehabilitation, requires frequent visits back to Walter and their contributions to American Musical Theater.
Reed. Every three to five years, Justin embarks on this MAR 13-24 APR 2-3
journey from Pennsylvania, with each visit incurring
substantial travel and lodging expenses. For tickets, call 561-464-3086 or visit levisjcc.org/sandler
The challenges Justin faces aren’t just physical. The
mounting financial pressures took a toll on his well-being Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center • Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center • Toby & Leon Cooperman Campus
21050 95th Avenue S., Boca Raton, FL 33428
and peace of mind. Faced with the excruciating choice
between funding his medical stays or feeding his family,
he felt trapped.