Former Navy SEAL to headline Hearts of Valor Ball in Hoffman Estates
The Heart Of A Marine Foundation will host the seventh annual Hearts of Valor Ball on Feb. 11 at the Stonegate Conference and Banquet Centre in Hoffman Estates.
The foundation, which is dedicated to all branches of the U.S. military, raises money at the ball to fund its large network of projects that help veterans, and servicemen and women and their families.
The Hearts Of Valor Ball welcomes all branches of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families for a night of commemoration, remembrance, and observation.
“The evening is centered on our military.” said Georgette Frank, Gold Star parent and co-founder of The Heart of a Marine Foundation. “We celebrate their service to our country, their successes and achievements. It is a very patriotic, uplifting gala.”
The ball recognizes veterans from all conflicts and several World War II veterans attend. “What an honor and thrill to have our World War II veterans there,” said Roy Frank. “They receive the standing ovation each year!”
Roy and Georgette Frank of Elk Grove Village organized the foundation in the “memory, honor and spirit” of their son, Marine LCpl. Phillip Frank, killed in Iraq in 2004.
This year’s Hearts Of Valor Ball keynote speaker is former Navy SEAL Jason Redman, U.S. Navy Retired, who brings an uplifting message of overcoming adversity. While recovering from battle-related injuries in Bethesda Naval Hospital, he received a visit from President George W. Bush who had heard of his determination and fortitude. Jason will share a portion of his experiences with Hearts Of Valor Ball guests.
Also in attendance will be Sgt. Al Lynch, U.S. Army retired, Medal of Honor recipient.
“What an incredible privilege to have these gentlemen at our ball,” said Barbara Matsukes, the foundation’s marketing and public relations director. “I look forward to our guests meeting them and hearing of their service to our country.”
The Hearts Of Valor Ball is also the foundation’s signature fundraiser. The ball will have a variety of live and silent auction items and organizers will tell guests how donations were used in the past year.
The ball is open to both military and civilians.
“We enjoy entertaining everyone in our community,” said Matsukes. “There are families that have members of the different branches of the Armed Forces in their family. The Hearts Of Valor Ball gives them a chance to celebrate together.”
If you go
7th annual Hearts of Valor Ball, with dinner, dancing, open beverage stations, silent and live auction.
Ÿ 6 p.m.-midnight Feb. 11.
Ÿ Stonegate Conference and Banquet Centre, 2401 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates.
Ÿ Tickets: $100.
www.heartofamarine.org; (847) 621-7324 or (847) 452-5519.