04/24/12 Over 200 people filled Memories Reception Hall to “Celebrate & Support Our Troops” on Thursday evening April 19th. The event included a dinner, auction and program to raise funds and friends for Operation Quiet Comfort (OQC).
Jan Houin said, “Once again our local community showed their caring spirit. Over $11,100 was raised to support Operation Quiet Comfort, which is just over three months operating budget for the organization. With no budget to start with, donations came from businesses and individuals to sponsor the event. In the end, everything was donated, allowing 100% of the money from ticket sales, auction items and monetary donations to go to OQC.”
As people arrived and throughout the evening they had the opportunity to view and learn what goes into the care packages that are currently sent by OQC to injured troops and medical staff in Afghanistan.
They also had a chance to bid on dozens of silent and live auction items generously donated by local businesses and individuals. A few items came from members of OQC around the country who could not be here but wanted to be a part of the event. Auction items came from MI, MN, NY, and TX. One lady in Minnesota said it was on her birthday so she donated tickets for a table of eight and asked that they be given to military family members.
All veterans were honored for their service as the Armed Forces Medley played to recognize all branches of the military. A standing ovation was given to WWII veteran Lester Reed.
The speaker for the evening was Jan Houin, Board Member and shipping coordinator for OQC. Houin told the story of the organization which is part of a larger nationwide group, whose purpose is to provide blankets, clothing items and other articles of comfort in a care-type package to wounded troops and the medical staff that care for them. At this time most of the purchasing and all of the packing and shipping are done here in Plymouth.
In her presentation, Houin read letters from servicemen who had received articles from OQC, including one soldier who had lost an arm in battle saying he most appreciated the “clean dry socks.” Another commented on how the “blocks” on the homemade blankets had lifted her spirits during a long recovery period. On the “blocks” were messages of appreciation for their service to their country, and how a grateful nation has them in their thoughts and prayers.
At the conclusion of her talk, Houin reminded everyone that she never asks anyone to support the war because she “doesn’t know if it’s right or wrong” but she does ask everyone to support our troops.
Houin thanked all who attended and support Operation Quiet Comfort. For more information go to www.operationquietcomfort.com or contact Jan Houin at janh@operationquietcomfort.com or 574-936-1424
