Honey Brook American Legion Riders Post 422 hosted the inaugural Festival for the Veterans for David’s Drive 831 Aug. 22 at St. Benedict’s Picnic Park in Mohnton.
“I could not be more honored to be a part of something so special,” said Mark Hoagland, American Legion Riders Road Captain and event organizer.
People were predicting an epic day with Wheelchair Getaway band rocking the crowd and they didn’t disappoint.
“We are honored to be a part of such a worthy and needed fundraiser for our local veterans,” said Cliff Froggatt, of Wheelchair Getaway.
For a donation people could also take a hot air balloon ride.
“That was so cool, something I can cross off of my bucket list,” said Samantha Turner when she was back on the ground.
There were fun kids’ games including a moon bounce and giant slide. Beverages and snacks and various food vendors were on the grounds, including the Lions Club big food stand.
There were door prizes and 50/50 tickets, but the big deal of the day was a chance to win a Harley Davidson Street Bob. When Corrine Good of New Holland heard her name called as the winner she was so excited.
“It is the 4th anniversary of my grandfather’s death who was a veteran,” said Good.
The crowd cheered.”Congratulations to Corrine Good of New Holland the winner of the brand-new Harley Davidson Street Bob. Thank you to the Honey Brook American Legion Riders and everyone involved in hosting this awesome festival and thank you to our veterans. You rock and we love you!” said David Turner, the founder of David’s Drive.
David’s Drive 831 is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) public charity committed to improving the quality of life for hospitalized and homeless veterans and people in need in the community
The charity was created in memory of David Turner Jr. who died suddenly at the age of 20 of a suspected heart arrhythmia. He had worked at the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center and had a respect for the veterans he served; many were homeless, in early recovery and came to the hospital without essentials. David had a vision to make a difference for these veterans.
All proceeds benefited veterans and their families. There was a short presentation at 1 p.m. to honor all veterans to show them they are not forgotten.
“It was a good day all the way around, good food, good weather, good music and good company. I leave here feeling good about raising money to assist the good men and women who served our country. It’s a good day to be alive,” said Joy Turner, David Sr.’s wife.
“Thanks to our sponsors and people who believe in our cause, David’s Drive 831 has made quite an impact in our community. Since 2010 it has donated more than 4,000 pounds of food to families in need in the area,” Turner continued.
The organization has also contributed toward the construction of a new wing at the South Eastern Veterans Center in Spring City. They send care packages to military personnel serving around the world and have donated $180,000 worth of underwear, socks and t-shirts to hospitalized veterans. In addition they have wrapped and delivered 4,500 Christmas gift boxes filled with special treats to patients receiving treatment in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.
Recently when (HUD-VASH) implemented a program at the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center to provide housing vouchers to homeless veterans giving them an opportunity to live independently, DD831 joined in by giving 225 veterans a new bed and a “DD831 starter kit” which contain essentials for the bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.
They have received national attention from the U.S. Dept. Of Veteran Affairs and received the National Citation for Distinguished Service Award from the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 1777 as well as the Hazel P. Harnish Award for Volunteering Excellence from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
An estimated 22 veterans commit suicide per day, or one every 65 minutes. To help veterans visit www.davidsdrive831.org.
Honey Brook American Legion Commander Tommy Kay said, “Our Festival for the Veterans was a huge success. Thanks to the Honey Brook American Legion Riders that did all the hard work….to David’s Drive 831 the Turner family and friends for the support and love you show us and our veterans daily, and thanks to all that attended. Thanks to fellow American Legion Riders from Morgantown and New Holland, the vendors, the Honey Brook Lions Club for the great food and service, New Horizon Balloon team for the tethered balloon rides, The Party Center of Phoenixville Chis Caba, Mid-Atlantic food services Brenda, Buy Rite Beverage Dave, Wheelchair Getaway, D Frank and last but not least the American Legion Post 422 family and friends, thank you all so very much for making this event a success.”
For more information about Davids Drive, call 610-383-9277 or email davidsdrive@verizon.net.
