It has been awhile since we have done an update post here on the website (we are usually posting updates on Facebook) so here is a list of what we have been up to and what we have planned for the remainder of 2021.
*When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, we jumped into action to make face masks for local veterans, first responders and their families. We then added frontline workers to the list by making masks, ear savers and scrub caps for respiratory therapists at three local hospitals. We also sent them appreciation gifts at Christmas. We wound up making around 1200 face masks, hundreds of ear savers and about a hundred scrub caps. We are still making and donating masks and scrub caps to frontline workers upon request.
*Since we could not hold any in-person fundraisers, we started an online fundraising group on Facebook. Over the past year, we have partnered with other legitimate (yes, we vetted them) veterans organizations across the country in an effort to provide assistance to so many more veterans who are struggling during these difficult times. Click HERE if you are interested in joining our private Facebook group.
*We have an official office that we procured in June 2021. The office is located at VFW Post 6756, 25500 Sherwood, in Center Line/Warren. Our grandfather literally built this Post and ran it until his passing in 1987. His nickname was Bob (original name Sylvester) so it is fitting that we get to honor both Bob Brinkers by having the office there. Plus, we grew up running around the Post so it feels like home. The front part of the space has Kelly’s desk and a storage area for item donations while the back room is Teri’s fundraising office which houses our Cornhole sets & event prizes. Since we just finished remodeling the space and are still working to organize everything, we don’t have any set business hours right now. Kelly likes to be there on Mondays around 3pm when the Hall and Clubroom are closed. If anyone wants to come see the space, meet with us or drop off item donations, send Kelly an email at BobBrinkerMemorial@gmail.com and make arrangements.
Fun fact: Clint Eastwood filmed scenes from Gran Torino at VFW 6756 in the clubroom and is a Post member.
*We have scheduled our first post-pandemic fundraiser, a golf outing, for October 9th. We are still accepting participant registrations, hole sponsors and silent auction donations. For more information about the event, check out our GOLF FUNDRAISER page.
*The Detroit Stand Down is scheduled for October 20-21st, 2021 at Macomb Community College in Warren. We have reserved 2 tables to distribute items to homeless veterans that will be in attendance. In 2019, over 900 veterans showed up and we think there may be even more this year since last year’s event was cancelled and more people are struggling due to the pandemic. In an effort to make it safer for our volunteers, we would like to hand out backpacks or bags filled with essentials. We will be posting a donation wishlist soon of what we want to include in the backpacks/bags. Donations can be dropped off at our office. We have also set-up an AMAZON WISHLIST where you can purchase items that they will deliver directly to us. With the funds that we raise from the golf outing and our online fundraising, we will go out and purchase items from our wishlist for the veterans. Contact Kelly via email (see above) if you are interested in volunteering at the Stand Down, want to help pack the bags or if you would like to help with item donation collections.
*We are still working on our plans for Veterans Day and Christmas. Our focus right now is finishing the office and getting ready for the golf outing and Stand Down. Follow us on social media for updates. (Should we do an email newsletter too for those not on social media?)
