After a more than 2,800 mile journey, Drive for Veterans, a cross-country fundraising trip to provide support and awareness for wounded American veterans, made their final stop in Lady Lake.
“This is the largest American Legion post in the world, so that’s why we wanted to stop here last,” said Todd Sauey, president of Columbia ParCars, the sponsor that provided golf carts for the over 40-day journey. All proceeds raised throughout the trip will go directly to the Fisher House and Semper Fi Funds, which provide care and support for wounded veterans.
Sauey proudly held up his arm to display his red Semper Fi wristband, a gift he received during their first stop in San Diego on Oct. 19.
“It was given to me by Adam and Jeb,” said Sauey of the amputee veterans who gave him the wristband.
“These young men came to me in San Diego, thanking me for what we were doing. I couldn’t express enough thanks to them for what they’ve done. The sacrifices they made so that we could be here,” said a teary-eyed Sauey.
“We did what we did to honor them. To honor the veterans and the soldiers that did not make it back. To honor their families, to honor their compatriots, and we want to remember them always going forward. To remember and memorialize those who return from service and those who do not” said Sauey of Columbia ParCar’s partnership with Drive for Veterans.
Representatives from both the Semper Fi Fund and Fisher House attended the event and provided information on both programs. The Semper Fi Fund, which is nearing its 10 year anniversary, has given over $82 million in aid to wounded and injured Marines. The Fisher House, which has 62 houses across the world and will open an additional unit in Gainesville in the not-to-distant future, has served over 19,000 families in 2013 and has provided over $200 million in lodging for wounded veterans and their families since their inception in 1990.
The trip originated in California and covered 8 states, ending here in Lady Lake today. Drive for Veterans has have raised over $50,000 for the foundations. Their goal is to reach $500,000 by the year’s end. They hope to make up the difference through the charity auction they are hosting. To obtain more information on this event or to make a donation, try visiting www.DriveForVeterans.com.