Lake County Honor Flight hosts movie fundraiser at Genesee Theatre
In an effort to send 11 local World War II veterans to visit their memorial in Washington, D.C., Lake County Honor Flight has partnered with the Genesee Theatre to screen the feature film "Honor Flight" on May 16.
Lake County Honor Flight transports America's veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the monuments and memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices, and works to raise funds so the trips are available to veterans at no cost.
"This one night only screening of 'Honor Flight' the movie is a unique opportunity for Lake County citizens, businesses and organizations to honor veterans of our country's Greatest Generation. There is a true need and an urgency to give these heroes special recognition for the service they gave to our country and to the world," said Tonja Hudson, Lake County Honor Flight fundraising chairwoman.
Tickets to the Honor Flight movie are $20 and are available online at www.lakecountyhonorflight.org and will be sold at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N Genesee St., Waukegan. Doors open at 6 p.m., with show time at 7:30 p.m.
There are also event sponsorship opportunities available online. All fundraising efforts go directly to veteran Honor Flight trips.
The screening also serves as an educational opportunity for area students and others who want to learn about the true cost of freedom, organizers say. Some of the veterans who have participated in a Lake County Honor Flight trip will tell their stories and be available for questions after the movie.
"This event is our big introduction to the entire Lake County community. We want everyone to know that we are here and we are working day and night to find local veterans, volunteers and supporters to fulfill the mission to get every World War II veteran to Washington D.C.," said Tamara Siwula, communications director for Lake County Honor Flight.
Contact Siwula at (847) 282-0374, tamarasiwula@gmail.com or lakecountyhonorflight@gmail.com.
The three-day, two-night Honor Flight trip includes a personal guardian, airfare, ground transportation, tours, meals, hotel accommodations and more.
Lake County Honor Flight took its first official trip by honoring six veterans in September 2013. The group is taking 11 World War II Veterans on a trip in June 2014 and a minimum of 25 veterans in October 2014.