The Disabled Patriot Fund will host its inaugural “Dancing with the Soldiers” fundraiser Saturday in Oak Forest to benefit disabled military veterans in Illinois.
“Our funds are running low, so we wanted to come up with a fundraiser a little different from what we’ve done in the past,” Disabled Patriot Fund secretary Laura Harris said. “Our soldiers are always willing to help us in any way they can. We thought this would be a great idea.”
Eight Army and Marine Corps veterans are getting dance lessons from dance instructor Diana Duda, who is donating her time for the cause, Harris said. For a donation, guests may dance with a soldier to music provided by Joe “Neil” Zirconia, a Neil Diamond impersonator. Duda will be available to teach dance steps to guests, Harris said.
The benefit will take place at Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Along with dancing with the soldiers, there will be a raffle, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, cash bar and food donated by Nancy’s Pizza, Pepe’s and Salina’s Catering, all of Tinley Park; and Papa Joe’s and White Castle, of Orland Park.
The basket raffle includes items from Salon Evangelos, Alison Andrews Day Spa, Lover’s Lane, Tin Fish, Rocco’s Little Italy and more, Harris said.
The silent auction features about 30 items of sports memorabilia, including autographed photos, jerseys and other items from former and current players from the Blackhawks, Cubs, Bears and White Sox; as well as from golf pro Phil Mickelson and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, and autographed photos of several recording artists, Harris said.
The band Maggie Speaks will provide entertainment, and a “surprise guest” will add to the evening’s entertainment, she said.
Tickets are $20.
Harris said the Disabled Patriot Fund has helped more than 250 veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001 through assistance with mortgage payments, car payments and purchases, housing construction and handicapped-accessible renovations, among other needs associated with veterans’ disabilities.
“We help them with pretty much any type of need they have,” Harris said.
The organization on its website still was accepting donations and sponsors for the event as of Monday.
For tickets or more information, visit disabledpatriotfund.org.
Ginger Brashinger is a freelance reporter.
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