NewsVGM's Q4 Community Giving Focuses On Veterans And Active Military

Veterans Day is celebrated Nov. 11 each year. And to honor our country’s veterans and active military, VGM Group is focusing our Q4 community giving efforts toward organizations that support these deserving individuals.  

This quarter, we’ve made contributions totaling $8,200 to six area organizations.

Americans For Independent Living (AFIL)

Donation amount: $1,500

VGM made a donation to AFIL’s annual Music with a Mission fundraising event, which was held on November 1. The proceeds from the fundraiser benefit AFIL’s newly opened Veterans Resource Center. For years, AFIL has been renovating donated homes or purchasing smaller single-family homes to renovate for low-income veterans and rent them at reduced rates. Learn more at: afil.org.

Veteran Flagpole Initiative (VFI) 

Donation amount: $1,000

Our donation covered the installation of flagpoles at the homes of two veterans: VGM employee owners Jennifer Petalver, HOMELINK (Army Veteran) and Chad Shepard, HOMELINK (Army Veteran).

The VFI is driven by a volunteer force that spans the state of Iowa and beyond. Since its inception in 2021, VFI has been on a mission to provide our veterans with a tangible symbol of our nation’s appreciation.

Starting with a group of 50 friends, VFI has grown into a movement, combating societal divisiveness with the powerful message that goodness prevails. VFI has an ambitious goal to install flagpoles for veterans in the four corner counties of Iowa by the end of 2024 and at least one in all 99 Iowa counties by 2028. Learn more at: veteranflagpoles.org.

Sullivan-Hartogh-Davis Cedar Valley Honor Flight

Donation amount: $1,000

Each year, this team works extremely hard to raise funds to continue to send our worthy veterans on the honor flight to Washington, D.C. On this trip, they have the opportunity to visit the memorials and sites commemorating their service as well as spending quality time with their fellow brothers and sisters in arms.  

Each flight costs approximately $120,000 in total and is provided free of charge for veterans. This organization is funded solely on generous donations from businesses and individuals and is run strictly by volunteers who receive no compensation for their efforts. Therefore, 100% of all donations are used to fund future flights. Learn more at: cedarvalleyhonorflights.org.

Waterloo Black Hawks: Seats Of Honor

Donation amount: $3,600

VGM has partnered with Young Arena to recognize active-duty military personnel and veterans at home Black Hawks hockey games throughout the season. Nominations can be made on the Waterloo Black Hawks website, and those selected are given four home game tickets to bring their friends or family. Each honoree gets a special shoutout on the Young Arena’s video board during the game, as well as recognition by the game’s announcer. Submit your nomination here. 

International Association Of Firefighters Local #66

Donation amount: $600

This year, VGM sponsored the International Association of Firefighters Local #66 annual golf tournament fundraiser. Funds raised during this year’s tournament benefited Retrieving Freedom. This nonprofit organization is passionately committed to enhancing the lives of veterans and children with autism through a specialized Service Dog training program. The dogs go through more than two years of training to meet the needs of their specific client. 

Retrieving Freedom is also a featured organization on VGM’s Community Giving Wall. As visitors touring VGM Headquarters in Waterloo, Iowa, come to this stop, they can pick an organization on the wall, and VGM will make a donation in their name. Learn more about Retrieving Freedom at: retrievingfreedom.org.

Blue Star Mothers Of Iowa

Donation amount: $500

Blue Star Mothers of Iowa are mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, guard, reserves or veterans. Their main focus of the year is the annual holiday care package drive. Since 2017, more than 1,700 boxes have been sent to deployed service members around the world.

VGM’s donation helps to cover these holiday care packages, which include non-perishable food (beef jerky, microwave popcorn, and protein bars); toiletries (pain relievers, razors, and shampoo); and miscellaneous items (batteries, puzzle books, blankets). Learn more at: bluestarmothersofiowa.com.

Questions? Please contact members of the VGM Community Giving Committee at communitygiving@vgm.com