Farewell Party for Ball Raises More Than 20K
On Tuesday evening Purple Heart Homes hosted a farewell pasta dinner for Senator Greg Ball (R, C, I –Patterson) at the Mahopac Firehouse. The event was open to the public and served as a fundraiser for Vietnam War Veteran Dan Flanagin’s home renovations.
Ball announced last month that he will not be seeking reelection this fall. The farewell dinner was organized to benefit Private Daniel Flanigan, a 100% service-connected disabled Vietnam Veteran that was selected after a thorough vetting process by Purple Heart Homes, a non-profit based in Statesville, NC that provides housing solutions for disabled veterans.
“It has been an honor to serve the 40th district these past four years, and I am thankful for everyone who has supported me through this journey,” said Ball. “I am thrilled to have my final project be something as meaningful as helping out a disabled war veteran. It is truly touching to see so many friends and supporters join me in helping welcome home Private Dan Flanigan, a true war hero.”
Over 200 people attended the dinner to say their goodbyes to the Senator and wish him luck on his next endeavor. The evening also raised a total of $20,125 for Dan Flanigan’s home renovations, which are currently in the works in Pawling.
Donors and volunteers were thanked for their contributions to the project and presented with Certificates of Merritt by the Senator for their generous efforts. Among those in attendance was Brad Kuck of Whispering Pines Gardening Center, who recently donated $10,000 to the cause.
“Our company decided last year that we wanted to raise money for a local veteran. When we heard about Dan Flanigan, it made perfect sense that we would donate the funds we raise to his house renovations. It is great to see Senator Ball team up with Purple Heart Homes for this project, and I am very proud to be a part of such a wonderful cause,” said Brad Kuck of Whispering Pine Landscape Supply.
Other donors who were recognized include Jay Hildebrandt Electric, Kevin Schick of McGrath & Company, Mike McCormack of Liscum McCormack Van Vorrhis LLP, Ken Ford of New York Title, Daniel Marxer of Chazen Companies, James Schmitt of Schmitt Bros. Excavation, Judy Fitzgerald, Lloyd St. Louis of Boneyard Cruisers of Hudson Valley, Mike Tompkins of Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters, Mark Franzoso of Franzoso Contracting, Camille Parisi of Adirondack Hops, Dan Maguire of Nuisance Wildlife & Timberline Tree, Peter Wilcox of Pepsi Co, Gino Capicotto of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society, McGraths Tavern, Gerry Klein of Mahopac National Bank, Mitch Klein of Krasdale Foods, Brewster Hills General Store, Hannaford of Pawling, Kobacker’s Market, McKinney & Doyle, Shoprite of Carmel, Christopher Page of Army Week, Major Robert Ramos and Joe Krulder of Drexel Hamilton.
“What a fantastic evening for a fantastic project. Purple Heart Homes is delighted to be working side-by-side with Senator Greg Ball and hundreds of community partners from throughout the Hudson Valley area to truly welcome home this local hero,” said Vicki Thomas of Purple Heart Homes. “Senator Ball is certainly proof that the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
To make a monetary donation for the Purple Heart Homes project you can visit: www.purplehearthomesusa.org. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Senator Greg Ball’s office by calling (845) 279-3773.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
