9th Annual Salute to Veterans Event Raises $60,000 For Veteran Services
The CDS Wolf Foundation’s 9th Annual Salute: A Toast to Our Veterans event held on Friday, Novemeber 10, 2023, raised $60,000 to support the Warrior Salute Veteran Services program and the work it does to help Veterans experiencing PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma heal and transition back to civilian life through person-centered therapies and community support.
“We are so grateful to the Rochester community for once again rallying to our call to provide vital case management and transitional housing supports to Veterans who are experiencing PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma. These Veterans deserve the opportunity to heal and rejoin their communities, and thanks to the attendees and donors for the Salute event, we’re able to continue to provide that to them through the Warrior Salute Veteran Services program,” said Andrew Sewnauth, CEO of CDS Life Transitions.
Inspiring Words
Those in attendance at the event heard remarks from U.S. Congressman Joseph Morelle, New York State Assemblyman Brian Manktelow, General Robert Dail, Retired, and the inspiring message of Keynote Speaker Specialist Steve Baskis.
In 2008, while serving in Baghdad, Iraq, Specialist Baskis suffered severe wounds from an improvised explosive device. The injuries caused Baskis to completely lose his sight. Specialist Baskis, who was honored with the Purple Heart, spoke about how he has overcome the challenges he faced and how the support he received along his journey empowered him to live his life to the fullest despite his injuries.
The message resonated with all who heard it.
“Steve’s story was so inspiring. He faced adversity that was almost insurmountable, but through support and his own drive, he was able to live a fulfilling life. That is the underlying mission of Warrior Salute Veteran Services – to provide support so that Veterans can live a fulfilling life in their communities,” said David Greenman, Executive Director of Advancement for CDS Wolf Foundation.
Saluting Supporters
The Salute: A Toast to Our Veterans event is a critical fundraiser for the Warrior Salute Veteran Services program. Funds raised at the event go directly to support the mission of Warrior Salute Veteran Services to help Veterans transition back to civilian life through person-centered therapies and community support. The program is built around the unique needs of each service member.
“Our program has been developed to ensure that each service member receives the appropriate level of care, based on their individual situation,” says Jim Stampfer, Warrior Salute Veterans Services Program Manager.
He notes that the transitional housing and individualized case management is provided to the Veterans at no cost to them and regardless of their discharge status or length of service.
“Warrior Salute Veterans Services program does not receive any ongoing federal, state, or local municipal funding. The program is wholly supported by this community and we are extremely grateful for that generosity,” says Jim.
The program is especially thankful for the sponsor support of the event this year. This includes:
Diamond Sponsor
Pearl Sponsors
Ruby Sponsors
Jason & Eva Curtis
Sapphire Sponsors
Senator Mike Nozzolio
Learn more about the Warrior Salute Veteran Services program, become a volunteer, or if know someone who could benefit from the services the program provides, please go online to http://www.cdslifetransitions.org/warrior-salute.
