Sarge’s Veterans Support gets nearly $49K in first fundraiser

By Sequim Gazette Staff • May 8, 2024 12:30 pm
Photo courtesy of Sarge’s Veteran Support / Sarge’s Veteran Support house managers (from left) Danny Deckert, David Durnford and Steve Elmelund welcome attendees to the organization’s first fundraiser at the Dungeness River Nature Center on April 27. The event raised nearly $50,000.

The Sarge’s Veteran Support group got a big boost at its first fundraiser in late April.

The event, held April 27 at the Dungeness River Nature Center, brought in just under $49,000. it included a silent auction, live auction and “raise your paddle” event, with veteran Jerry Fine auctioneering.

Also highlighted were veterans stories, testimonials from local veterans who benefited from the services of the Sarge’s Veteran Support shelter and housing programs and an “in memoriam” for supporters (James Minsky, Tracy Bloom, Eric Miner and John Brewer).

With more than 110 in attendance, veterans and veteran supporters came from the Olympic Peninsula and as far away as Orting.

Photo courtesy of Sarge’s Veteran Support / With Cheri Tinker, executive director of Sarge’s Veteran Support, overseeing the event, veteran Jerry Fine leads a live auction to raise funds for the organization at the Dungeness River Nature Center on April 27.

“We are so incredibly grateful for all the volunteers, staff, board members, supporters and donors that helped us make this first event so successful,” said Cheri Tinker, executive director of Sarge’s Veteran Support.

“It’s the first time we have held a large event in the 13 years we have been providing services, and we were just delighted by the turnout and the aid for our non-profit. It’s wonderful to see such a local impact for shelter and housing for our Olympic Peninsula vets.”

Attendees also got a sneak peek at the non-profit’s newest project: Lt. Col James Minsky Place in Seqium.

The group is hosting an open house to explore the facility and learn more,from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. Those interested are asked to park at the former JC Penney’s parking lot at 609 W. Washington St., where shuttles will transport them to the house (there is no parking onsite).