Car wash to benefit homeless veterans at HVAF
Judy Holmes, with Carmel American Legion Post 155, never misses an opportunity to support HVAF.
At the beginning of each year Judy, along with her team, reach out to coordinate a Summer Car Wash fundraiser to benefit HVAF’s Residential, Employment, and Substance Abuse Treatment (REST) recovery program. To go along with this 4th annual Car Wash fundraiser held this year on June 6, the group of volunteers also will hold a cook-out for the veterans that same day.
“Carmel Post 155 works all year collecting food, personal items, clothing, cleaning supplies and monetary donations to help HVAF and REST,” says Judy. “For all these veterans have done and have been through it is the least we can do for them. They have given us much more than we could ever give back to them. It is our honor to help.”
The group has previously collected donations ranging from personal items, food, cleaning supplies and clothing as well as raised much-needed funds for housing improvements.
In 2014, the Post purchased air purifiers and fire extinguishers for HVAF properties and bus passes for our veterans. All of these donated items allow HVAF to use its existing resources in other crucial areas.
Judy’s Auxiliary was formed out of a committee four years ago with the sole purpose of helping HVAF. Judy works alongside 7 other women who are equally passionate.
Judy’s husband is a Vietnam veteran and her father served in WWII. Her thought on volunteering with veterans is that the act should never be done for praise, recognition or any type of reward.
“The reward of gratitude, appreciation and love that you get when volunteering or giving back is enormous,” says Judy. “I can say that I and my fellow committee members have been teary-eyed on a number of occasions when we have connected with the veterans at HVAF. These veterans always have a smile for us.”
Car Wash information:
852 W. Main Street, Carmel 46032
Saturday, June 6 from 10-3 p.m.