To the Editor:

More than 100 guests recently attended Cocktails for a Cause benefiting Veterans Count Rhode Island raising nearly $21,000 for veterans, service members, and their families.

The event was held at Sheraton Providence Airport Hotel in Warwick. All in attendance enjoyed an evening of great appetizers, fine wine and beer with entertainment provided by Reckless Blues. The silent auction raised over $3,000.

The highlight of the evening came from our esteemed guest speaker Colonel David Sutherland, Chairman Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services who gave an emotional and deeply motivating speech on how to connect solutions and tools to veterans and military families in need of education, meaningful employment, and wellness. Colonel Sutherland concluded by presenting Easterseals with a check for $15,000 to support female veterans and their families in Rhode Island.

Our thanks to our sponsors: Lawrence & Associates, NESCTC Security Agency, Independence Bank, Lucier CPA, Carousel Industries, and Dunkin Donuts and the local businesses and friends of Easterseals who provided in kind donations for the silent auction.

Special thanks to our invaluable Veterans Count Board of Directors: James Lawrence, Kate Smith, Nancy Gilman, Joseph Wolferseder, Susan Deshpande, Marcel DAuteuil, Rebecca Smith, Joe Hughes, Jim Sullivan, David Decamp, and TJ Byanski. To view photos of the event please visit the Veterans Count RI Facebook page at www.facebook.com/VetsCountRI.

Judy Fortier

Director of Development

Veterans Count RI