Record attendance for Hearts of Valor Ball
A record number of guests attended the seventh annual Hearts of Valor Ball Feb. 11, hosted by The Heart Of A Marine Foundation.
The Elk Grove Village-based organization held the event at the Stonegate Conference and Banquet Centre in Hoffman Estates. The ball welcomed all branches of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families for a night of commemoration, remembrance, and celebration.
Greeting each guest as they arrived were Roy and Georgette Frank, Gold Star Parents and founders of the foundation. They were flanked by Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Al Lynch, USA (ret.), and Lt. Jason Redman, USN, former Navy SEAL.
“Our vision was to have each guest to the Hearts Of Valor Ball shake hands with true American patriots,” said Barbara Matsukes, marketing and public relations director for the foundation.
“We often talk about heroes, but these gentlemen are the real deal. We wanted each of our guests to meet them personally. We were so honored to have these gentlemen with us this year,” she added.
“The evening is centered on our military,” said Georgette Frank, “from the ‘piping chow’ whistle of the Coast Guard Boatswain Chief that calls everyone to dinner, to the Air Force Junior ROTC cadets that reverentially honor the Table of Remembrance, to our MIA’s and KIA’s. It is all about our Armed Forces.”
The Hearts Of Valor Ball also recognizes veterans from all conflicts.
“We will always welcome home our Vietnam veterans,” Georgette added. “Each year we open our arms in welcome to them.”
World War II veterans were represented by six gentlemen from the Army, Navy and Marine Corps.
“The highlight of my evening is being able to introduce these gentlemen from the podium,” Roy Frank said. “No one will ever fully know the experiences and situations they faced while serving our country. They will always be celebrated and recognized by the foundation.”
This year’s Valor Ball keynote speaker was Redman, the former Navy SEAL, who gave a powerful, historic message of patriotism that had his audience on their feet.
Also in attendance were several disabled veterans, some of whom participated in the Adaptive Athlete Race in the 2011 The Tour of Elk Grove.
“The Heart Of A Marine Foundation’s programs and projects assist in the treatment of their disabilities,” said Georgette Frank. “That is what we do. But we also focus on their abilities. They are true competitors, athletes, and an inspiration to us all.”
This year’s ball had more than 450 guests, a record.
“This is our signature fundraiser, and thanks to the generosity of many sponsors, supporters, and those present, we did very well, “Matsukes said. “Our programs to assist veterans will have a substantial boost. And this evening is about that, too,” she added.
The Heart Of A Marine Foundation is a registered 501(c) 3 organization, established in the memory, honor and spirit of Marine LCpl Phillip Frank, KIA Iraq 2004. To learn more of the foundation’s work, visit www.heartofamarine.org or call (847) 621-7324.