Santa Rosa >> Three years ago Sonoma County had over 400 homeless veterans living on the streets. In one year with support from the community and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Resource Centers of America (VRC) cut that number by half. Dancing with the Stars and Stripes is raising funds to allow VRC to effectively help veterans homelessness in our community one at a time.
The event on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jackson Theater, Sonoma Country Day School, is patterned after the popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars.” Dancing with the Stars and Stripes is a serious yet entertaining event and competition of dance teams — each team consists of a local amateur “Star” and a professional dancer “Pro.” In addition to the dance competition, this event includes the Nordquist dancers, and My Divas a cappella singers.
Ten dance teams are raising funds by soliciting sponsors and dollar votes, and will compete before a live audience on April 22. In addition to funds raised prior to the event, the audience will have the opportunity to make additional contributions (votes) for their favorite team before the final scoring. Trophies will be awarded based on professional judges’ scores and on the amount of money each team raises to help veterans.
According to Peter Cameron, founder and the President and CEO of VRC, “This event will bring much needed funds to VRC so we can continue to address the unique needs of veterans. It’s wonderful to see these dance teams working so hard to help our veterans.”
Voting has already begun, and the dance teams are practicing their routines. Event sponsorships are still available and offer an excellent opportunity for an organization to show its support of veterans and be recognized as a community partner. Proceeds from the event go to assist VRC in the fulfillment of its mission of helping disabled and homeless veterans and their families from all eras.
About Veterans Resource Centers of America (VRC)
VRC provides the following services:
•Homelessness Prevention and Re-Housing
•Employment and Training Program
•Transitional Housing
•Behavioral Health Treatment
•Permanent Supportive Housing
•Nutrition Services
•Case Management
•Resource Centers
•Advocacy for Veterans
Most of VRC’s funding comes from state and federal grants and the use of the resources are very restricted. VRC’s homeless veterans often have needs not provided for through these sources. VRC struggles to meet all the veteran needs that the VA does not address and most importantly, also acts as an advocate for veterans in accessing the VA system.
VRC is a community-based Veterans service organization formed by veterans in 1972, historically recognized by the U.S. White House as a national model for effective service to veterans and their families in the nation. VRC is certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and provides the highest standard of care. IRS 990s and annual audits are available to the public at Guidestar.org.
You can find more information on the event, buy tickets, or donate at:
www.dancingwiththestarsandstripes.org
