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Published: October 1, 2008
RUSKIN - Just about everyone likes spaghetti, so how 'bout enjoying a bowl in support of a cause?
For only $5 and a generous heart, you can do both Oct. 13.
Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287 and the Freedom Plaza Military Support Trust have partnered to initiate a fundraiser for homeless women military veterans that the organizations hope will become a continuous form of support.
"Believe it or not, there are almost 400 homeless veterans in Hillsborough County alone who are women," said Shirley May, a member of the post's women's auxiliary. "It's relatively new that large numbers of women are serving in the military, and many come home having lost everything.
"It just tugs at my heart."
All of the proceeds from the dinner will go to Crossroads Athena, a Tampa-based, transitional program for female veterans, and the Department of Veterans Affairs' Homeless Women Veterans Program.
The Athena Project is a Tampa Crossroads program. It allows up to 16 female veterans to stay in a recently restored home in Ybor City for up to two years while they receive counseling for post-traumatic stress disorders, self-esteem issues and substance abuse. They also get help finding jobs.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Spaghetti dinner fundraiser
WHERE: VFW Memorial Post 6287, 5120 U.S. 41 N., Ruskin
FOR: Crossroads Athena and Veteran's Administration Homeless Women Veterans Program
COST: $5, take-out option
TICKETS: Available at the post; Freedom Plaza, 1010 American Eagle Drive, Sun City Center; and Ruskin Chamber of Commerce, 315 U.S. 41 S., Ruskin
INFORMATION: (813) 645-3808, (813) 642-1255 or (813) 645-2395
Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.
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