OFF THE WIRE
Good Afternoon, Screwdriver
I'm thrilled to be a part of the Diamond Posse http://diamondposse.us/ (a veterans outreach non-profit group) this year as their celebrity rider! (You'll find my personal info on their "GUESTS" page).
The Diamond Posse has partnered this year with Massachusetts based http://NEADS.org; specifically their "Canines for Disable Combat Veterans" program which trains service dogs for disabled combat veterans and other needy Americans. (You'll also see Diamond Posse info linked on their home page!)
Our goal is to raise $20,000 to provide a disabled combat veteran a service dog! We will be able to choose, name, follow not only the progress of the dog's training, but the training with the recipient as well through to placement and graduation!
We launched this year's fundraising efforts at Bike Week in Arizona, March 31st. - April 3rd. and will continue our efforts through to September when each of us members will leave our respective homes (Amy 'Diva' Skaling Park City, UT, Vicki 'Spitfire' Sanfelipo Milwaukee, WI, Cat Hammes from Dallas, TX and me Betsy 'Gypsy' Lister Boston, MA) on our motorcycles with posse in tow, and make our way across country converging in Kansas City MO for a Diamond Posse Tribute Rally September 11th. sponsored by Gail's Harley-Davidson. On each route the posse will be stopping at VA Centers along the way thanking the veterans there for their service, and let them know that we're out here trying to make the world better for them and to aid in their recovery!
This truly is an honor and a blessing for me; as I've been involved with veterans affairs since 1967 when I became engaged to my husband Richard a 100% disabled Vietnam veteran. It was living with Richard for 30 some years and seeing what he went through once he came home that made me decide I'd so "something" for veterans! Fifteen years ago I started the weekly POW/MIA Veterans newsletter which I do each weekend, and three years ago I was invited to be a member of the Marine Corps League's Honorable Few Riding Detachment out of Middleton MA.
As chair of their JJ Harris Memorial Ride held each October, I continue to raise funds for veterans and through my newsletter I keep veterans abreast of legislative, health, and other issues that affect them.
Each of us is seeking donations of funds or services so that we may achieve our goal!
I'm hoping that you'll be able to find it in your heart, and your pocketbook to donate to this most worthy cause!
I'm also seeking a "posse" of riders to make the trip with me the entire way, or meet up with me and my posse along the way!
Please make checks payable to "Diamond Posse" but send to me at:
Betsy E Lister
P O Box 496
Medford, MA. 02155
The Diamond Posse's efforts and travels this year will be able to be followed on their web site once the webmaster has posted it. The web address is: http://diamondposse.us/
All my personal information is on the guest page.
Thank you in advance for any consideration; and should you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me at: 781-718-3543, or via email.
A copy of the breakout of the cost of a service dog from NEADS is attached.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!
Betsy
http://womenridersnow.com/pages/Diamond_Posse_Names_New_Charity.aspx
Diamond Posse Names New Charity
Women’s riding group raises money for service dogs and veterans
