WESTFIELD-For a host of local business people involved in Homes for Warriors Western MA, sponsoring charity events to help others is a passion.
On Feb. 28, the group will host a Homes for Warriors Charity Celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Shortstop Bar & Grill at 99 Springfield Road. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit Project New Hope based at Hampton Ponds Plaza on North Road.
Homes for Warriors Western MA will host a “charity celebration” in Westfield on Feb. 28.
Project New Hope is a veteran nonprofit helping those who have served, according to Brooke Calloway, a military wife who volunteers her time in the Westfield office.
“Homes for Warriors is a group of local business owners and professionals who have committed to helping police, fire and veterans by means of hosting charity events, offering discounts or donating to charity on behalf of their clients,” said Calloway, who is also helping coordinate logistics for the event.
“Everyone is excited to support such a great cause and has been enthusiastic and supportive about making this happen,” added Duane Desilets, a realtor with Park Square Realty in Westfield and a member of the group.
During the two-hour charity event, a fun evening is planned featuring a cash bar, free food offerings, a 50/50 raffle, a ‘pass the military helmet’ for cash, and silent auction. In addition, one of the main events is a pie-eating contest with the pie flavor still to be determined.
“The pie-eating contest will have a suggested donation as an entry fee,” said Calloway, adding, “The contest will be one entire pie in the shortest amount of time. A clean plate is a must. No hands!”
Desilets noted at press time that silent auction items range from Red Sox tickets and a tablet to gift cards and gift baskets. If an individual or business would like to donate a silent auction item, contact Calloway at Project New Hope, (413) 315-3873.
“We also want to give a special thanks to Nabil, Julie and Monica Hannoush of the Shortstop Bar & Grill for their gracious support of this event,” said Desilets. “This is our second event at the Shortstop and we are thrilled to be returning. They are paramount in planning the event.”
Desilets added that the group is hopeful that Monica Hannoush will be making the pies for the contest.
“We’re hoping that Monica Hannoush will bake them for us, as she’s a talented pastry chef,” said Desilets.
During the evening, representatives of Project New Hope will also be available to answer questions about the organization as well as provide information to veterans.
“Project New Hope offers support in several ways for New England veterans, from free weekend retreats to a free baby pantry for veterans’ children,” said Calloway. “Project New Hope is a local organization and support received by the community goes right to local veterans in need of support.”
For persons interested in becoming involved with Project New Hope, visit www.projectnewhopema.org to begin the online volunteer registration. Tax-deductible financial donations are also welcome and can be dropped off at the Hampton Ponds office during business hours.
