Veterans Weekend Update: Exciting Developments from the Foundation Team.
- The Chairman
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Hello Friends and Supporters,
We’re thrilled to share exciting updates as we continue the mission of honoring America’s heroes through the work of our Foundation. Since our unforgettable Benefit Gala at Mar-a-Lago, we've been hard at work behind the scenes, preparing for what promises to be our most impactful Veterans Weekend yet.
A Few Life Updates
Since the Gala, we’ve experienced some joyful and meaningful milestones. We've relocated to the scenic town of Manteo, North Carolina—just a mile from the historic Roanoke Island beach, the birthplace of the first English child in America. Even more exciting, we welcomed our beautiful granddaughter, Hadley Elizabeth, into the world.
Meanwhile, our team successfully fulfilled key event contracts for the NYC St. Patrick's Parade, NYC’s Tartan Week Parade, and Disney World’s Festival Disney, while Diane reopened the Patriot Outpost for the season.
Veterans Weekend 2025: Full Steam Ahead
With those commitments fulfilled, all energy is now focused on Veterans Weekend 2025. On April 16, we presented our Parade Traffic Control Plan, Health and Safety Briefing, and Site Plans to the Mayor’s Special Event Task Group alongside Stephen Brown, Lou Williams, and Keith Dowling. We’re proud to report that Permit Approval is now pending only the Certificate of Insurance.
Key Confirmations
✅ Grand Marshall Dinner: Booked at the Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., for Friday, November 7, 2025.
We will be honoring General Michael Flynn for his military service.
A VIP Reception begins at 5:30 PM, followed by guest registration at 6:30 PM.
Invitations and registration links will be shared with Board Members first.
✅ National Field Show: Set for Saturday, November 8, 2025, featuring over 20 marching bands on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the WWII Memorial from 10 AM to 4 PM.
✅ 3rd Annual National Veterans Parade: Confirmed for Sunday, November 9, 2025, with Opening Ceremonies at 11 AM and parade step-off at 12 Noon.
✅ 2nd Annual Benefit Gala: Locked in for February 12, 2026, at Mar-a-Lago—secured thanks to the success of our 2024 Gala fundraising.
Financial & Planning Outlook
Thanks to our early fundraising wins, both event deposits and parade permits have been paid in advance, freeing us from needing to contribute personally this year. Some expenses for this parade include, but are not limited to, insurance, subcontracted parade production, National Park Service fees, and D.C. police/fire/EMS costs.
Call for Support: Sponsors & Grants
To meet this ambitious goal, we are actively pursuing corporate sponsorships and public grant opportunities. We’ve attached:
A General Fundraising Letter for you to forward to prospective sponsors
A breakdown of Sponsorship Levels and Benefits
If you know of a business, donor, or organization that might be willing to contribute or participate, please let us know—we’re happy to create a custom letter tailored for them. You can also now reach us via our new local hotline: (202) 674-8490.
Welcome to Our Updated Team
We’re also honored to share our growing list of Board Members and Advisors:
Board Members
Diane Ventura; Lou Williams, DC Compliance; Lt. Col Anthony Shaffer, First Parade Grand Marshall, U.S. Army / Grand Marshall Committee; Celeste Ellich, U.S. Navy Ret.; Event Planning Committee Chair, David Offord, Social Media Coordinator; Giovanna Barrios, Fundraising Chair; Barrett & Sandi Ellis, Resident Prayer Warriors; Chris Neiweem, Government Outreach; Phillip “PJ” Schrantz, Parade Participant Coordinator; Rose Duvall, Treasurer for Gold Star Moms / Foundation Advisor; Stephen Brown, Board Member and Head Production Team; Chelsea Hicks, Board Member and Event Production Coordinator since our first parade,
Advisory Board
Chairman Robert W. Sutton, Gala Chair; Elaine Hackett, Dept. of Interior / Scheduler to Sec. Burgum; Dragos Sprinceana, Mar-a-Lago Member & Gala Sponsor; Keith Dowling, Traffic Engineer and Mayors Task Force Liason.
This initiative remains successful because of your support, encouragement, and patriotism. We’re honored to serve alongside each of you and look forward to another unforgettable celebration this Veterans Day weekend.
With gratitude and in service, The Foundation Team
コメント