6th Annual Veterans Trust Fund Dinner, Saturday, Nov. 9

The 6^th Annual black-tie optional Veterans Trust Fundraising Dinner will be held at Dover Downs Rollins Center on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. The registration deadline is October 29.

Delaware’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Michael Berry, will keynote the dinner, which is the major fundraising event for the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund.

Signed into law in September 2013, the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund is administered by the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs. The Friends of Delaware Veterans, Inc., established in 2014, is the fund raising arm of the Trust Fund.

The Friends is a volunteer group of military veteran leaders from across the state who operate under the auspices of the Commission. There are no administrative or other fees applied.

When it comes to our veterans, few would argue the debt of gratitude we owe those who serve in uniform. They are part of the most sophisticated and respected military the world has ever known. They protect our national interests and since 1973 less than one percent of our fellow citizens are willing and able to keep us safe.

They are sent to distant places, often in harm’s way, and “soldier on,” accepting separations from family, friends, and the comforts of home. The vast majority do well and prosper from the disciplines they learn and live. However, some, whether due to physical or psychological injuries, or the misfortune of a lost job or illness of a family member, struggle to pay emergency expenses.

The Trust Fund has paid bills to prevent shutoff of utilities, stop repossessions and make emergency repairs to homes or vehicles. Grants are paid directly to creditors. Last year the Commission provided $104,000 in one-time grants to Delaware veterans across the state in financial emergency.

Tickets are $100 each. Donors who wish to sponsor a table of eight will receive sponsorship recognition in the program. To reserve a seat or table, send a check to Friends of Delaware Veterans, 802 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 100, Dover DE 19904; or call 302-739-2792 for information. No seats will be available at the door.

There will be no physical tickets. Receipt of a reservation check will result in names being entered on a will call roster at the sign in desk on the night of the event, so it will be important for table sponsors to either identify the people who will be at their table or to have their guests identify whose table they will occupy.

Other ways to help if you're unable to attend:

Visit www.DelawareVeteransTrustFund.com to make a tax-deductible contribution. 

Event sponsors below will be included in a separate section of the event program:

Platinum  $5,000

Gold  $1,000 

Bronze $500

The menu will be a duet of grilled chicken and crab cake, pastry, house salad, starch, vegetable du jour, and coffee and tea. For special menus or other questions contact Sherri Taylor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 302-257-3117 at the Commission office.

The Stardust Knights will provide welcoming music from 6 to 7 pm. Post dinner events will include silent and live auctions. The live auction will include several recently released MV (Military Veteran) license plates, numbered from 1 to 3. (Must be a veteran and have it registered to a Delaware vehicle.)