A local veterans organization received a significant boost this month after the Ontario County Women’s Republican Club presented a $9,400 donation to support Honor Flight Rochester’s mission.
The contribution was presented during a ceremony attended by club members, Honor Flight representatives and several local elected officials, including state Sen. Pamela Helming, Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey and Bristol Town Supervisor Laura Abplanalp.
Honor Flight Rochester uses donations to transport military veterans to Washington, D.C., where they visit memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. Organization leaders said the donation will help expand those efforts and ensure more veterans have the opportunity to participate in future trips.
Representing Honor Flight Rochester at the presentation were Speakers Bureau Coordinator Steve Wendell, Events Coordinator Mary Gavignan and Veteran Volunteer Liaison Morrey Goldman. Wendell said community support remains critical to the organization’s ability to honor local veterans and preserve their stories.
The Ontario County Women’s Republican Club said the donation was made possible through annual fundraising efforts and contributions from members and supporters. Club President Trisha Turner said supporting veterans and military families has long been a priority for the organization and noted that all funds raised for the initiative were directed to Honor Flight Rochester.
Honor Flight Rochester is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transporting America’s veterans to the nation’s capital to visit memorials recognizing their service. The Ontario County Women’s Republican Club promotes civic engagement, community service and Republican principles throughout the county.
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