The University of Louisville Faculty and Friends group is having a celebration with a World War II theme to raise funds for two programs that serve returning veterans.
Money raised from the Dec. 4 Heroes at Home event will go to the Horses for Heroes Program of Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, and the Outward Bound Veterans’ Expeditions Program, said Tracey Roberts, a UofL law professor and Louisville Faculty and Friends founder. Both programs provide transition services for returning troops.
Folks are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan this fall, Roberts said. Many are returning with significant physical injuries that require extensive care and adaptation. Post traumatic stress disorder often remains untreated for a variety of reasons. Alcohol and drug abuse is common. Family violence is increasing. Suicides are at an all-time high.
Among other things, the event is designed to raise awareness and to connect the broader community so that they can direct families to support services as they need them.
The evening will include 1940s era music by the West Market Street Stompers, dance lessons by the Louisville Swing Dance Society, a silent auction (including an Outward Bound trip sailing in the Florida Keys), hors d’oeuvres (including foods available during World War II), and a cash bar.
Everyone is invited to wear 1940s era costume or military dress, Roberts said, explaining that the group picked the 1940s theme because of the way we were engaged with our troops and our responsibilities during World War II.
We rationed food, we collected rubber, metal and nylon and we avoided using resources necessary for the war effort. We pulled together to assist the injured, mourn the fallen, and celebrate the return of the living.
We have strayed from that ethos, she said. This event is a small attempt to remind people of those values and to engage them in addressing some of the needs of returning troops.
Heroes at Home will take place Saturday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. at Bowman Airfield Administrative Building (next to Bistro Le Relais) at 2817 Taylorsville Road.
Admission is a minimum donation at the door of $50 by cash or check made directly to one of the beneficiary organizations or by providing a copy of your receipt for an online donation to either of the two beneficiaries: Central Kentucky Riding For Hope (click Program Fund and note Horses for Heroes / Heroes at Home in comment box) and Outward Bound (note Veterans Expeditions in comment box).