value, as well. We look forward to increased mid-week and off-season busi- ness among associations and SMERFs.”
Representing Delaware County, PA's Brandywine Country Conference and Visitors Bureau are Marty Milligan, vice president, business development, and Tore Fiore,executive director. Under their leadership, this organization remains always innovative in the quest for increas- ing association and SMERF traffic to Delaware County’s numerous sites. "Walk for the Wounded" is a good example of the bureau's dedication to the military.
Seven years ago, Milligan introduced Operation First Response (OFR) to his col- leagues. This organization is part of the AMERICA SUPPORTSYOU family of chari- ties and was formed to benefit wounded soldiers in crisis.
“We see veterans come home with miss- ing limbs and suffering from trauma,” laments Milligan. “During recuperation, OFR provides transportation for their loved ones, school books for their chil- dren and food for their tables. We may purchase vehicles, convert vans to handi- capped-capable, or give a garage door opener to someone who lost both arms. No, we don’t
take soldiers to
DisneyWorld®. We strive to improve their everyday lives physically, mentally and monetarily. Walk for the Wounded is a major fundraiser that makes OFR’s mis- sion possible.”
This annual event, held at Rose Tree Park in Media,PA, features a symbolic walk, 5K run, veteran’s motorcycle brigade, special ceremony and more. It has grown into both a reunion and a celebration. “When Nick Costantino,an OFR senior executive, came to us for ideas,his goal was to initi- ate an event that would raise $5,000 to $10,000 for vets,” explains Milligan. “I promised him that we could bring in $50,000, but Iwaswrong. Instead,the total was $87,000,and it has continued to grow over the years. It’s important to emphasize that 92 percent of the proceeds go direct- ly to the veterans.”
Two other organizations close to the hearts of Milligan and Fiore are Pennsylvania Veterans Museum in Media,
30 July August 2014
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