This year, the VFW Auxiliaries of Indiana were so kind to select HVAF as their charity of choice for their state project! This means all funds raised this year will go to us in one amazing check presentation next June! The VFWs create exciting ways to raise these funds. The last few weeks we have been asked to participate in several of these fundraisers to represent the organization.

The first event was riding on a float in Mooresville with the VFW Auxiliary 1111 in their local summer parade! Several HVAF staff participated by throwing candy and popsicles from the float. My day was filled with memories, fun, and scorching heat! It was wonderful connecting with the VFW members with plenty of laughter. One staff member and I went to the infamous Gray’s Cafeteria in Mooresville after the parade, where I believe I had enough food to feed an army! My eyes were bigger than my stomach! However, I enjoyed the comfort of fried chicken, mashed taters, corn, and some pie.

The second adventure was presenting HVAF to VFW Auxiliary members from all units across the state as the VFW Auxiliary Department of Indiana announced us as their project at the Marriott East. I entered the conference room and was surprised to see it full, no empty seats! I have to admit, a little stage fright creeped in! I went on to present who we are and what we do to the members and encouraged them to support us. I petitioned them to reach out if they would like us to present at any of their fundraisers or attend as support. As I was leaving, a gal said, “Hey Andrea, don’t forget your bathing suit next weekend!” This was an eerie foreboding of what was to come at the next adventure!

The last adventure was a fundraiser at the VFW Auxiliary 1127 in Brazil. This event featured pie throwing and a dunk tank, with some delicious burgers! This will definitely be the most unique task I have ever completed in any job I’ve ever had! Not only did VFW members pay to put pies in my face, my supervisor, Ashlee, joined in the fun! I have never saw her so happy! In addition, I braved the dunk tank, being submerged about nine times! Eight of those times was by a young baseball pitcher and one time was by Ashlee. She was unsuccessful with her throws, so she resorted to cheating and just pushed the button!

I believe our connection and friendships with these VFWs is cemented for life! I enjoyed this day very much and will have memories forever! We appreciate the support these groups are providing this year and the creative ways they are raising funds to help veterans and their families!

Andrea is HVAF’s Community Engagement Coordinator. Throughout the week, Andrea spends time in our community by sharing HVAF’s mission with local groups & clubs, attending fundraising events, and raising funds so HVAF can continue serving Indy’s homeless & at-risk veterans. If you would like Andrea to speak with your group or talk to her about hosting a fundraising event for us, she can be reached at ACarlile@hvaf.org.

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