A special patriotic event in Baldwin County will include chef-inspired dishes, prizes and awards, but it will also benefit a much-needed cause. Organizers say the fundraiser is needed because they were "blacklisted" for speaking out against Senate Bill 67.
Proceeds from the Stars and Stripes Party in Daphne will help build the Gulf Coast Veterans Community Resource Center on Warrior Legacy Ranch. The center will be a 2,250 square-foot multi-use facility in Robertsdale that president and executive director Patrick Jump said will save veterans' lives.
"It will be a central hub for support programs, peer counseling, job training, and family-oriented events for veterans in Baldwin County and along the Gulf Coast," Jump told 1819 News.
Jump said the organization hopes to break ground later this year. Because they chose a simple design, he said the facility should be constructed in less than six months. The nonprofit needs $100,000 for the project.
However, Jump said the organization was slated to receive funding until they voiced opposition to Senate Bill 67, which restructured the Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs (ADVA).
"If you speak out against the governor in the state of Alabama, you are blacklisted," said Jump. "And I wasn't speaking against the governor. I know she says and does some things for veterans very well, but Alabama is actually the worst state in the United States for veteran suicide per capita."
After seeing a high number of veteran suicides in the area, Jump said the facility is needed.
"I've seen too many veterans commit suicide and make the decision to end their life prematurely, and honestly, it's kind of a big issue in Baldwin County," Jump said. "There's been 11 veteran suicides in Baldwin County since 2019. So, in the last six years, we've lost 11."
The facility will not charge for services offered, which volunteers have signed up to provide.
"We have a long list of volunteers, be it a board-certified neurologist, board-certified chiropractor, massage therapist, and veterans will be able to sign up for a massage and show up and get a free massage for an hour," said Jump. "They'll be able to meet with the neurologist to get treatment for their migraines and TBI with Botox, which is something that the VA does not offer anymore."
The center will be open 24/7 and will collaborate with other veteran nonprofits, such as Vets Recover in Mobile.
"We're providing a place for veterans to reconnect with their unit members in a supportive environment, fostering camaraderie to prevent veteran suicide and to strengthen the bonds between veterans and their community," Jump added.
The Baldwin County Home Builders Charitable Association and the PR Foundation are partnering to make the fundraiser possible.
The Stars and Stripes Party will be held at Waterfront Daphne on May 15. There will be a VIP hour starting at 5:30 p.m. and the main event at 6:30 p.m. VIP tickets are $100 and event tickets are $50.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
