Going to my house in upstate New York for Columbus Day weekend has become somewhat of a tradition for my family. We would go up on Friday, spend the days apple picking, pumpkin picking, going to Vermont or Lake George, and come home as late as possible on Monday. But this year we did something different.
Our local brewery and favorite hangout spot, R.S. Taylor and Sons Brewery, was hosting a fundraising event titled, “We’re Adopting Operation Adopt a Soldier”. As strong supporters of our armed forces, my family was immediately interested! It helps that they had free food, of course, but that was not the main reason I wanted to attend this event.
In late August this year, Operation Adopt a Soldier in Saratoga, NY, was ready to send out more than 200 care packages to troops serving overseas, until disaster struck. A fire broke out in their utility room resulting in the loss of all of those packages, as well as catastrophic damage to their building. Luckily, the local fire departments were able to save two American flags that were signed by military personnel and stop the fire from spreading.
It is very unfortunate that this happened, but it did not kill the spirit of this amazing community. The owners of R.S. Taylor and Sons sprung into action to put together an amazing event to raise funds for Operation Adopt a Soldier. The event took place on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the Brewery in Salem, NY. There were raffle prizes and food was donated by many community members. The DJ and the tent company donated their time and talent, as well. Most importantly, a strong, caring community came together that night!
There were 250 people there that night and together they raised over $2,400! It never ceases to amaze me what a community is able to do when they come together in times of need like this.
If you are interested in helping out Operation Adopt a Soldier, click here for more information.
To all of the men and women in uniform, past, present and future, thank you and God Bless.