Community Corner

Operation Welcome You Home Fundraiser to Benefit Veterans in Need

Operation Welcome You Home hosts first event Aug. 13.

Whenever soliders return home after being deployed, the folks at Operation Welcome You Home do their best to give them a joyous reception.

Those welcome homes are important to both the volunteers and the soldiers because there was a time when military personnel were not treated with the respect they deserved, said Judi Stapleton, assistant coordinator, Operation Welcome You Home, a Naperville-based nonprofit.

In a few weeks, the organization will host its first fundraiser, a candlelight bowling event, Stapleton said. She hopes that just as the soldiers get a rousing welcome home, they will get a rousing community response with a bowling alley packed with people.

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“Someone thought of the idea and I took it over and ran with it,” she said. “I thought it would help the organization and get the troops together and honor some wounded vets.”

Money raised from the event will benefit veterans and will be distributed to organizations that assist those in need, Stapleton said.

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Veterans, soldiers and wounded soldiers have been invited to attend the event, she said. The hope is that people, whether they wish to bowl or not, will show up to show support and enjoy a fun evening.

Stapleton is the daughter of Donna Morsovillo, the organization’s founder. For months Stapleton has been planning the event, which will be held Aug. 13 at the Town & Country Lanes in Joliet. The evening will include food, bowling and a silent auction. During the evening there will also be special presentations made to some of those in attendance.

The bowling alley accommodates about 264 people and Stapleton said she hopes the event reaches capacity. She said even if people don’t like to bowl, she hopes they show up anyway or maybe sponsor a wounded veteran.

“A lot of people didn’t get a welcome home like they do now,” Stapleton said. “It wasn’t appreciated like it is now and that is why we do want to invite the wounded and show our appreciation. It’s a surprise to them.”

Operation Welcome You Home will host its candlelight bowl Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. at Town & Country Lanes, 2231 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. For more information contact Judi Stapleton at 630-341-1222 or visit the website.


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