December is a special time of giving in America.
And who better to receive than those willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice, for a right to celebrate and freedom to give?
On December 4, former members of the riders club of Post 6768 of Veterans of Foreign Wars presented a $11,250 check to Matthew Slater, director of development with Valor Home of Summit County.
Valor home is a traditional housing program for homeless male veterans.
“For the last six years we have donated in December to the Valor Home,” Greg Findura, riders group six-year president, said. “They don’t expect it, but this is the group we donate to.”
Money was raised this year, beginning in May, through a variety of riders’ events which included a craft beer and food pairing, a car show, a night at the races, and a clambake, Findura said.
The riders club is a group of men and women, who love to ride motorcycles.
The club has been involved with the Northfield VFW Post for six years.
And while the charter remains open for another riders group, the current group is no longer with the post, Findura said.
“Our mission was to raise awareness for veterans, the positive aspects that the VFW Post 6768 brings to the Northfield community, the current enlisted troops that keep us safe, and raising monies to donate to veteran charities,” Findura added.
The riders club has given to the Valor Home for six years as members of VFW Post 6768, donating more than $50,000 in the last five, Findura said.
“The Harry Donovan, Jr. Valor Home determines how best to use our donation,” Findura said. “The monies donated are used to defer operating costs of the Valor Home.”
Findura is an auxiliary member of the VFW Post. His father, Edward Findura, was a sergeant in the Air Force who served in the Korean War.
Kim Esposito is also an auxiliary member of the VFW Post and a member of the former riders group.
“Working these events has been so rewarding, to give such a nice donation to veterans who need it and deserve it makes all the hard work easy,” Esposito said. “Thanks to all in the community who participated in the riders’ events over the last six years, we appreciate each and every one of you.”
For additional information on the Valor Home of Summit County visit https://fcsserves.org/program/valor-home-summit/ or call 330-773-7000.
