Salute, Inc. celebrates 20 years of helping military families

In most years, the annual Salute, Inc. Fundraising Party draws a dedicated, fun-loving crowd of supporters.

But 2023 isn't most years - it's the 20th anniversary of the local nonprofit and the Feb. 25 event promises to attract a full house at Meridian Banquets.

Founded in 2003 by Will and Mary Beth Beiersdorf, the grass-roots endeavor has touched the lives of more than 20,000 military families and dispersed more than $6.6 million in direct, temporary financial assistance to injured veterans on the road to recovery.

While many organizations refer to these events as galas, Salute purposely calls theirs a party.

"We're just not the type to have a big formal event," said Salute Executive Director Mary Beth Beiersdorf. "Ours is a celebration and a time to gather with our supporters and volunteers who continually do so much to allow us to make a difference in the lives of those who served our country and now need our help."

The party runs from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, and will feature appetizers, dinner, an open bar and music from Midwest favorites Mike & Joe. A silent auction, wine pull and fund-a-need segments will help raise funds for another year of helping military families overcome obstacles to the care and treatment they need.

"We are so excited to have Mike & Joe performing at the party," Beiersdorf said. "As this is our 20th anniversary, we really want to make it a special event to commemorate all that we've been able to achieve for the past two decades."

While Salute partners with leading health organizations like the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Rush/Road Home program, and Emory Healthcare, the organization has remained low-key in their operations, utilizing the same four-person staff for much of their existence and relying on countless unique fundraising techniques.

"We're as likely to get a donation from a group of kids hosting a lemonade stand as we are from a national grant," Beiersdorf said. "We appreciate both equally, and our annual party is a reflection of our diverse community of supporters, large and small."

Tickets for the 20th annual Fundraising Party are available at https://e.givesmart.com/events/sbo/. Tickets are limited.

Those unable to attend can bid in the online auction at https://e.givesmart.com/events/sbo/i/.

Salute, Inc. is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Palatine dedicated to meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of injured military service members, veterans and their families.

Through a variety of fundraising efforts - including its group of charity runners, Team Salute - the organization provides service members and veterans with support for housing, utility bills, car expenses, groceries, and other short-term financial needs.

In 2020, Salute, Inc. was awarded the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency, which is the highest level of transparency a nonprofit can receive from Candid, a company that rates how well nonprofits use their funds.