Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today announced a donation to the Vermont Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (VCVMA), the first of several donations to be awarded with proceeds from his inaugural gala in January.
Joined by members of the VCVMA at a press conference Thursday, Gov. Scott announced the gala raised nearly $200,000 through Vermonters United to Help, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization of which he is a board member. Proceeds will benefit veterans and military causes.
“Honoring and supporting veterans and active military servicemembers is a cause very close to my heart as the son of a World War II veteran who passed away when I was 11,” said Gov. Scott. “I am grateful to all those who attended my inaugural gala, helping raise funds to support these causes and our servicemen and women.”
Vermonters United to Help’s initial donation went to VCVMA for the purchase of a 2017 Harley Davidson Softail Slim motorcycle. VCVMA will raffle off the motorcycle with proceeds going to support its veterans causes. Its estimated VCVMA will raise up to $35,000 from the first motorcycle raffle.
“As the Vermont State Representative for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, and on behalf of my three Chapter Commanders, Donald Edwards, David Eckert, Danny Sullivan and all of our CVMA members here in Vermont, I want to say thank you to Governor Scott for his generosity here today,” said Kurt Merriman, Vermont State Representative for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. “The CVMA mission of ‘Vets Helping Vets’ is something that is near and dear to the hearts of every member of this organization, not only here in Vermont, but across this country and overseas. All three chapters here in Vermont work very hard to raise money to help veterans and their families who have fallen on hard times.”
There are three VCVMA chapters in Vermont. The money raised by each chapter through raffle ticket sales for this motorcycle will go directly to veterans in need. Each chapter will continue with an annual fundraising event using part of the raffle proceeds. This donated motorcycle will be displayed around the state and at several events.
The Governor also outlined additional causes that will be awarded gala proceeds throughout the fall, including the Vermont National Guard’s military family programs, veterans’ organizations that support returning veterans and their families, and a project to honor those who sacrificed their lives in service to our country.
“I’m pleased that we are able to support a range of causes, aiming to identify a diverse group of organizations that support a host of needs for our veterans, active military, and their families,” added Gov. Scott. “We know we can never repay them for their service, but hope by making contributions to provide important services we can make a difference in their lives and for their families.”
The VCVMA motorcycle raffle is currently underway, with 699 tickets being sold at a cost of $50 per ticket. For more information on the raffle, contact the Chapter Commanders listed below. Additional donations via Vermonters United to Help will be announced throughout the fall.
Don Edwards, Chapter Commander, 26-1 (Central Vermont)
David Eckert, Chapter Commander 26-2 (Northwestern Vermont)
Danny Sullivan, Chapter Commander 26-3 (Southern Vermont)