SALUTE is an annual fundraising event for The Servant Center
(TSC), the proceeds go to benefiting The Servant Center programs serving
homeless & disabled veterans. This year, the event was held in the Empire
Room of downtown Greensboro and had about 120 guests. SALUTE is a social event
to give thanks to former and current military as well as their families in a
WWII theme with entertainment being a Bob Hope impersonator and “Letters From
Home” an Andrews Sister’s tribute to truly take you back in time. Did I mention
there were swing dancers?! Music will never be the same… that’s a whole ‘nother
blog.
Veterans are twice as likely as other Americans to become
chronically homeless.
SALUTE was graciously sponsored by businesses around the triad
and many of their employees were in attendance. There were silent auctions,
in-kind donations to be won by raffle drawings and some freebies. Chronic
homelessness has decreased in Guilford County, but the number of homeless
veterans has increased so seeing veterans, their families, TSC staff, AmeriCorps
members and the community all coming together to give thanks for our freedom
was breath taking. The food was delicious, entertainment to die for, and
conversations that could go on all night.
1 in 4 homeless people are veterans.
Being a 90’s baby, I don’t know what it feels
like to have our country governed by war the way it was in the 1940’s. I am
thankful for that but working at TSC part-time gives me the opportunity to
listen to stories the veterans living in transitional housing are willing to
share. It is important to learn all we can from the past and not let it be
forgotten about as new generations are born. SALUTE is a great way to do that
and give appreciation to Veterans and current military personnel who deserve so
much more.
-Amber Ward
