Run for Wounded Soldiers

Giorgio’s Family Restaurant and WineStyles hosted a Wine Tasting & Dinner on Sept. 20 that raised $4,000 for Azalea Charities’ “Run for Wounded Soldiers” in the Oct. 25 Marine Corps Marathon.
More than 120 patrons sampled fine wines from Black Slate Riesling to Domaine La Bouvaude Cote du Rhone, along with Chef George Lampros’ Greek, Italian and American cuisine at the popular Montclair restaurant.
Marine Lt. Gen. Ronald S. Coleman, Deputy Commandant Manpower and Reserve Affairs, and Lt. Col. Simon G. Hutchinson from the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., spoke at the event. They represent a unique partnership that raises money for wounded U.S. soldiers (through Azalea Charities, Inc.) and wounded British allies (through British Army Benevolent Fund America) who have fought side by side in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The Azalea Charities are a fantastic organization, which through their association with the British Army Benevolent Fund, work tirelessly and selflessly to support the plight of injured service men on both sides of the Atlantic,: says Hutchinson. “We hope that Americans and British alike will recognize the need to support these heroes and their families.”
Team Azalea Charities is comprised of 115 runners and athletes from the United States and United Kingdom who have a goal to raise $150,000 in support of soldiers from both countries wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. So far, with the Giorgio’s event, $85,000 has been raised.
Azalea Charities Chairman Frank Lasch says, “Meeting and exceeding the goal will go a long way in supporting Walter Reed Medical Center, Fisher House and Malogne House and 20 other VA hospitals. In the past month we responded to requests for support in Atlanta, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky. In the past week alone, Azalea Charities responded to five requests for help with rent, car payments, food, and gas allowance to get to the VA hospital for therapy.”
Lasch would like to see Azalea Charities address the needs of family caregivers of veterans as well. “My hope is that everyone will be as generous as they can, and at the same time, join Azalea Charities in telling the Brits thank you for standing side by side with our brave men and women.”
If you would like to host an event or give a donation to support Team Azalea Charities Run for Wounded Soldiers in the Marine Corps Marathon, please 703-670-5238, e-mail azaleacharities@aol.com or visit azaleacharities.org.
Azalea Charities is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, incorporated in 2000 and staffed entirely by volunteers who donate their time, talent and money. Since its inception in June 2004, Azalea Charities’ Aid for Wounded Soldiers program has distributed more than 28,000 comfort items and 1.2 million phone card minutes valued at over $700,000, reaching out to vets from as far back as World War II.
Azalea Charities works closely with VA Medical Centers' Voluntary Services, Case Managers, Transition Specialists and Chief of Voluntary/Recreational Therapy to provide financial support to our wounded warriors and their families. Providing financial support to meet their mortgage payments, car repairs, food and other immediate needs helps play a part in their recovery.