The YOURBest team of volunteers, which is an O&R employee driven group, hosted a fundraiser on Saturday November 9th at the Rockland GAA Clubhouse and Pavilion to raise proceeds for the Rockland Homes for Heroes (RH4H). RH4H is a 501c3 charitable organization that develops permanent supportive housing for honorably discharged veterans, both male and female, who are homeless, disabled, or at risk of homelessness in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley. Founded in 2009, RH4H is led exclusively by volunteers (most of them veterans) with decades of service to the local community. RH4H has no paid staff and relies solely on members of the community to fund its ongoing work.
The fundraiser held this past Saturday was a phenomenal success. Despite it being a fairly cold day, everyone seemed to truly enjoy themselves while supporting a great cause. The bands (The Narrowbacks and N.a.s.H) and DJ Alex (Dynamic Audito) kept the music going all day, the bouncy castle and the YMCA activities were a huge hit with the kids (and some parents), and people won really great raffles items (over 50 prizes). The volunteer group received very positive feedback during and after the event, many remarking on how much they enjoyed the day and that RH4H is a wonderful charity to raise money for.
Between the raffles, the 50/50, ticket sales, and donations approximately $10,800 was raised. Through O&R’s Matching Gift Program, the team will be able to provide an additional $5,000 which will bring the total amount raised to $15,800!! RH4H has a sole mission to end veteran homelessness in the Mid-Hudson Valley and the proceeds from this fundraiser will help them move one step closer to that goal.
Each and every one of the volunteers went above and beyond to make sure this day was special. Whether it was the weeks leading up to the event getting gift card donations from restaurants, hair salons, or deli’s; getting cash donations, putting together raffle items, creating marketing materials, promoting the event, running around the day of or working job assignment for hours in the cold; each person truly gave of themselves.
