Lemont VFW Hosts Fundraiser for Wounded Warrior Project

A fundraiser for the Wounded Warriors Project will be held Saturday night at the .

Doug Wright, former president of the Lemont Lions, organized the event to bring awareness to the soldiers returning home from the Middle East. 

"I know plenty of people who have served and my son has a lot of friends who have been to Afghanistan and Iraq," Wright said. "I think there needs to be an awareness of how blessed we are that we have everything we have and that's we're able to do everything we want to do. It's because of these soldiers and their bravery."

The fundraiser will feature raffles, food from various restaurants around Lemont and live music courtesy of Wright's group, the Fort Awesome Band. There is no cover charge for the event, but donations are encouraged.

"I'm very lucky that the VFW was willing to donate the venue and that many businesses stepped up to donate food," Wright said. "And my friends in the Lemont Lions and my band have been so generous to give their time and talent."

Wright said he and his bandmates are committed to giving back to the community. In the past year, they have performed at benefits for Ellie Cuiching, a Lemont girl battling a rare brain tumor, and Mike Oliveri, a Homer Glen resident who was killed in Iraq.  

"It's always been important to me to help others, and I'm lucky to play in a band with guys who have a similar mindset," Wright said.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization with a mission to honor and empower wounded soldiers. Among the various programs offered are job placement services, family support groups and physical rehabilitation.

The fundraiser will run from 7:30 p.m. to midnight at the VFW, 15780 New Ave.