Jumping for a Cause: 4th Annual Skydive for Veterans “Freedom Jump 2019” to Benefit House of Heroes Connecticut, Work Vessels for Vets
Upwards of 40 brave souls with fearless hearts and a soft spot for those who served our nation will take to the skies Saturday, September 7, at the 4th Annual Skydive for Veterans Freedom Jump 2019 charity event benefiting veterans causes. The daylong event begins at 9 a.m., weather permitting, at the Connecticut Parachutists, Inc. skydiving center in Ellington.
The unique event, the only veterans charity skydiving event in the state, first took place in 2016 thanks to a group of Connecticut shoreline friends who banded together after a similar event they had taken part in on Long Island was discontinued. In three years, Skydive for Veterans has attracted nearly 60 parachutists – from experienced jumpers to novices – who have raised nearly $40,000 for House of Heroes Connecticut and Work Vessels for Vets.
Registrants are encouraged to secure individual donations or sponsors in support of their jumps. Last year, 19 jumpers raised nearly $12,000. This year’s goal, said Wickham, is to double both the number of jumpers and dollars raised. All proceeds benefit House of Heroes Connecticut and Work Vessels for Vets. To register, visit www.skydiveforveterans.org and click on the registration link.
Skydive for Veterans sponsors and supporters include Clinton VFW All American Post 9981; Clinton American Legion Post 66; Westbrook Elks Lodge 1784; and Thimble Island Brewing Co., Branford.
House of Heroes Connecticut recognizes, honors and serves military and public safety veterans by providing one-day, no-cost home improvements with a priority placed on safety and accessibility. The Connecticut Chapter is part of a national organization founded in January 2000, in Columbus, Georgia. More than 1,000 projects have been completed nationwide. For more information, visit www.hohct.org.
Founded in 2008, Work Vessels for Vets equips America's returning veterans with the tools they need to start a business or pursue career education. Since its founding, the organization has offered a “hand up” to thousands of returning veterans in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.workvesselsforveterans.org.