----- Original Message -----
Subject: Homeless Veterans
I have a small organization
in Grand Rapids MI called Operation Victor Hotel. We are small but highly motivated group of musicians and veterans dedicated
to helping the 194 homeless veterans in our small city. Below is a list of veteran friendly business in Grand Rapids.
I wanted to share a story with you and the readers of your site. I wish
it were a pleasant story. Last weekend we held a benefit for the veterans home in our city. We worked nonstop for six weeks
to promote and collect donations for the auction we were having. The first places we hit were the business around town that
had the "we support our troops" signs in front of there stores. Of the 50 plus places we went to not one of them would even
donate a twenty dollar gift cirtificate to help out our veterans. Of all the radio, TV and newspapers in and around our town
only 1 responded to our calls and ran ads for us. We also plastered the town with over 1000 fliers. The night of the
benefit 8 people showed up to enjoy the music and support our veterans. We raised a total of $100 for the night.
For all the grandstanding by people in this country, we are shocked by
the indifference of the American people that enjoy the freedoms that our troops have provided for them.
Our troops have slept in trenches, in the snow and rain with bullets and
bombs flying around them. It is absolutely unacceptable that they have to return to the lives that they gave up to sleep in
the streets again.
We are now a little wiser but our spirit and goals have not been broken.
Hang on guys we are on our way.
Here is a list of veteran friendly business in Grand Rapids. If
you would like to be added to the list let us know. If you use services that one of these business provide show them the love
they have shown for our veterans.
The Grand Rapids Rampage
Oldies 98.7
WLAV 96.9
The Jaguar Band
Bridge Street Pizza
Franklin Press
Our veterans went to war for us. Now we are going to war for them.
papadroog