In a heartwarming display of community support, the Wilson Van band hosted a benefit concert and silent auction at Ferg’s Sports Bar in St. Petersburg, Florida. The event, held on Sunday evening, aimed to raise funds for veterans and Gold Star families, drawing a crowd of regional supporters eager to contribute to military organizations.
Local Band with a Mission
Wilson Van, a family band comprising Fox 13’s Mark Wilson and his brothers Patrick, an actor, and Paul, a business owner, spearheaded the event. The concert’s proceeds were directed towards Gold Star Fathers of Florida and Tampa Homeless Outreach. Actor Patrick Wilson took the stage, performing for an audience committed to honoring and supporting military families.
Supporting Gold Star Families
Gold Star Fathers of Florida, founded by Don and Michele Carey in 2012, was one of the beneficiaries. The organization was established to support fathers grieving the loss of their children in military service. The Careys’ son, Barton Russell Humlhanz, a Marine corporal, was killed in Iraq in 2004. The group provides outreach and resources to fathers of fallen service members, ensuring their loved ones’ names are never forgotten.
Dean Coleman, a board member who lost his son Justin Dean Coleman, an Army specialist, in Afghanistan in 2009, emphasized the importance of keeping their memories alive. Michele Carey poignantly noted, “A person can die twice, once when they are actually killed or die, and the other time is when their names are forgotten.”
Helping Homeless Veterans
The event also supported Tampa Homeless Outreach, which focuses on identifying and assisting homeless veterans. The organization helps veterans find emergency shelters and provides necessities to improve their quality of life. The funds raised will aid in addressing the ongoing need for emergency shelter programs for veterans living in temporary camps.
Community Involvement
Community members interested in supporting these causes can find more information and resources on the organizations’ official websites. Financial contributions are crucial for initiatives like providing Christmas presents for children of Gold Star families and supporting emergency housing for veterans.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
