Memorial Day picnic to support Aurora veterans home

An Aurora Memorial Day picnic that usually raises between $200 and $800 each year for local veterans' organizations is increasing its fundraising goal about a hundredfold this year to help renovate a home for veterans with addictions.

Tim Sury, veterans coordinator for State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, an Aurora Democrat, said picnic organizers want to raise more money this year to help Hope for Tomorrow, an Aurora nonprofit that provides housing and counseling for veterans struggling with substance abuse or post-traumatic stress disorder.

“At this picnic, we're honoring Hope for Tomorrow,” Sury said. “Whatever money we can raise for them, we'll be glad for.”

This year's ultimate goal of $80,000, may be unrealistic, Sury said, but it signals a change in the event's purpose from a simple gathering to honor those who died in service to a fundraiser to help local veterans.

Picnic organizers have accepted donations all seven years the event has taken place, but this is the first time money is being sought for a particular organization with a fundraising total in mind. This year, organizers are publicizing the picnic and the cause more widely.

Hope for Tomorrow is in the middle of renovating two homes on Lake Street to provide more space for its Vetcare program, which works to decrease homelessness among local veterans, said Jeff Gilbert, the organization's founding president and clinical director.

But the nonprofit needs another $80,000 to finish work on one of the homes, including its kitchen, flooring, air conditioning and bathrooms, Gilbert said.

“A lot is still left to be done,” Gilbert said. “We're making some progress.”

Chapa LaVia has stayed informed on Hope for Tomorrow's expansion work and wanted to help, Sury said.

“As a veteran myself, veteran issues are a top priority of mine and a concern for all Americans this Memorial Day,” Chapa LaVia wrote in a letter sent to about 100 supporters asking them to attend the picnic and make donations.

The picnic is from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at AMVETS, 1194 Jericho Road, Aurora. No admission will be charged for veterans or other attendees, but donations are welcome. To donate, make checks out to “Hope for Tomorrow” and mail them to 479 N. Lake St., Aurora, 60506, or bring them to the picnic.

The picnic follows Aurora's Memorial Day parade, which steps off at noon from the corner of River and Benton streets after a pre-parade ceremony at 11:15 a.m. at 20 E. Downer Place. Nine military groups and nine marching bands — including groups from East Aurora, West Aurora, Metea Valley and Waubonsie Valley high schools — are expected to participate in the parade.

The ceremony, parade and picnic give Aurorans plenty of opportunities to remember and honor those who have served to protect America's freedoms, Gilbert said.

“I think we should all be blessed to live in this country,” he said. “And be thankful to the veterans who have made our freedoms possible.”

If you go

What: Aurora Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

When: Ceremony 11:15 a.m., parade steps off at noon

Where: Ceremony at 20 E. Downer, parade starts at Benton and River streets

Cost: Free

Info: (630) 256-INFO or <a href="http://aurora-il.org">aurora-il.org</a>