Reflections Framed 2017 Event Celebrating Military Service to Again Benefit the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans
The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans announced that all proceeds from "Reflections Framed 2017- A Celebration of Military Service, Past and Present" again will benefit its programs to help at-risk and homeless veterans and their families. The Reflections Framed project, which began in 2014, honors the men and women in the Wheaton community who have served, or are serving, in the U.S. Military and has raised $35,000 in support of the Midwest Shelter.
"It is an honor to again partner with Reflections Framed," said Jane Tyschenko, MSHV Executive Director. "This project offers an opportunity to celebrate veterans, while raising much-needed awareness and support for the homeless and at-risk veterans in our community."
Reflections Framed encourages individuals with a connection to Wheaton to share a military reflection by completing an online form that asks for a photo, caption, story, and an optional audio file. The first 100 reflections submitted will be custom framed, at no charge, by DuPage Framing Center, presented at the celebration, and then taken home by the recipients. Donations and sponsorships are also welcomed to help defray the costs associated with the project. Reflections submissions, donations and sponsorships can be made online at www.helpaveteran.org/reflections. Submissions will be accepted through Oct. 31.
"We have honored nearly 200 veterans since we launched Reflections Framed three years ago on Veterans Day, with the intention of celebrating military service in a unique way," noted Rick Erickson, Reflections Framed founder. "We are excited to benefit the Midwest Shelter as we witness the priceless reactions from our recipients and their families."
"Reflections Framed has become an important part of the fabric of our community by acknowledging, educating, and recognizing the debt we owe these men and women," added Wheaton Mayor Michael Gresk, a supporter of the project from its inception. "The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans provides invaluable services to our neediest military members and I encourage all to support and attend this truly worthy event."
The Reflections Framed event, which will be held at Cantigny Park on Friday, Nov. 10, is free to participants and their family and close friends and includes the posting and retiring of the colors; the presenting of the Reflections Framed by Wheaton College ROTC Cadets; military themed songs by Wheaton College; and access to the newly transformed First Division Museum from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. on the day of the event. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. and the ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m.
The Reflections Framed project received a Governor's Service Award in Springfield earlier this year for its positive impact on veterans and their families.
The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans is a non-profit agency based in DuPage County, Illinois that provides housing, supportive services and community outreach to help homeless and at-risk veterans and their families achieve self-sufficiency.
Founded by veterans in 2007, the Midwest Shelter operates on a vision of no veteran left behind due to homelessness, joblessness, poverty and/or mental-health issues. People interested in donating, volunteering or learning more about MSHV can visit www.helpaveteran.org or call 630-871-VETS (8387).