On September 10, 2009 Chicago’s labor community and the State of Illinois will host “Fighting for Those who Fought for Us” - a fun evening of food, music, raffles, and celebrity guests in honor of our disabled Veterans.
The goal of the event is to raise funds for the Helmets to Hardhats Wounded Warriors program, which supports disabled Veterans by providing the tools, information and community to help Veterans gain careers in the Building and Construction Trades. A special section of the Helmets to Hardhats website provides listings of construction careers that employers have specifically identified as suitable for disabled Veterans.
Robert Schwartz, Wounded Warriors Program Director at Helmets to Hardhats, is overseeing the planning of the Chicago event. “It promises to be a very enjoyable evening and we’re expecting a large turnout,” Schwartz reports, “This is such an important fundraiser because with the money we raise we’ll be able to offer even more assistance to our Wounded Warriors as they strive to meet the challenges they face once back in civilian life.”
Chicago labor leaders have come together in support of the effort. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is serving as chairman for the event. Secretary White is a Veteran of the 101st Airborne Division, and the only constitutional officer in the State of Illinois that is a Veteran. Co-chairs of the event are Chicago Building Trades President Tom Villanova, Chicago Teamsters Joint Council President John Coli, and Chicago Federation of Labor President Dennis Gannon.
The Wounded Warriors fundraiser will be held at Dick’s Last Resort, a legendary Chicago restaurant. The venue has been generously donated for the evening by CEO Steve Schiff.
Tickets cost $50 each, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Additionally, monetary donations as well as in-kind contributions will be accepted for raffles and silent auctions. Please contact Rob Schwartz for further information, or if you would like to make a donation or purchase a ticket to support this wonderful cause.