Because we are a non-profit, HVAF has many generous and loving supporters in the community who hold events to give back to the veterans.

A delicious deal

The most interesting (and delicious) fundraising event? A hoagie eating contest.

This past summer, locals participated in Hoagies & Hops’ Fourth Annual Hoagie Eating Contest– where 100 percent of the proceeds benefitted HVAF! Competitors had to eat an 18 inch hoagie– a Philly-style sandwich. Whoever ate it in the shortest amount of time won 1 free hoagie per month for one year. A tasty deal indeed.

What is Hoagies & Hops?

After moving to Indiana to be closer to her parents, Southeast PA native Kristina Mazza missed the deli and hoagie shops she grew up loving in her hometown. Therefore, Kristina and her husband decided to open Hoagies & Hops.

“With bread coming from South Jersey, meat, pickles and chips coming from Philly and the heart of Pennsyvania Dutch Country we hope to give our new home of Indy a taste of what South East PA comfort food is all about,” Kristina writes on the Hoagies & Hops website.

For the past several years, we have had many HVAF employees get in on the action. These participants include President & CEO Brian Copes, case manager Adam Velazquez, and former VP for Advancement Aaron Carmichael. This year, VP for Support Bernie Kruse competed.

This year, Kristina and the competitors raised $630 for our veterans!!! And she even continues to have a donation box at the shop so she can continue gathering support. We appreciate all that she does for HVAF.

Additionally, HVAF has also had the opportunity to be on WISH-TV’s IndyStyle show. Bernie went on the show to share HVAF’s story, as well as make a hoagie– with Kristina’s help of course.

Why veterans?

“We all have a friend or family member who has risked their lives to keep our country safe. By supporting HVAF, we are doing our part in honoring and returning  the  favor to our veterans,” Kristina said. “They should have a roof over their heads, food on their tables and the necessary medicines they need to live a comfortable life.”

Hoagies & Hops is located at 4155 Boulevard Place, Indianapolis. For more information, visit their website: hoagiesandhops.com.