American Legion Riders Donation
"Cookie" Cook presenting collaborative donation check to Cristy McKillip, Associate Director, West Palm Beach VA Medical Center.
On December 13, 2013, members of the American Legion Riders donated $9000 to the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center to benefit Veterans and returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan.
American Legion Riders started the Poker Run in 2008 to support the newly identified group of returning service members from Iraq and Afghanistan. The OIF/OEF Veterans were in need of some of some assistance obtaining household items such as food, gas, clothing, and anything one might find at a local super-store.
The program was conceived by American Legion Rider Frank Cook, known as “Pipes”. Cook and his wife Kathy, known as “Cookie”, contacted the West Palm Beach VA Voluntary Service, verified Veteran need, and began the first Poker Run Fundraiser in 2008. Since then the American Legion Riders have raised over $55,000, including the 2013 contribution! A breakdown of this year’s generous contributions includes:
• American Legion Riders Donation 12/13/13 Gift Cards - 6th Anniversary of
the official Poker Run
• Riviera Beach Post 268 – $5000.00, benefiting OEF/OIF/OND Veterans
• American Legion Riders & Sons of the American Legion Post 277 from
Boca Raton - $1250.00 benefiting the Cancer Center
• Nam Knight Riders of Palm Beach – $500.00 benefiting the Cancer Center
• American Legion and Riders Post 47 – $2250.00 benefiting the Women’s
Veterans Program
Thanks to multiple organizations joining the Poker Run, the program has now increased and benefits Veterans who are homeless and indigent, cancer patients and women Veterans, while still supporting the OIF/OEF/OND Veterans.
"The continued generosity of the American Legion Riders make it possible for the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, supporting Community Based Outpatient Clinics and Veterans programs to enhance the services and care we provide our Veterans," said Cristy McKillip, Associate Director, West Palm Beach VA Medical Center.
A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to all who contribute to the Medical Center and Veterans this season and throughout the year.
For more information about donating to the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, please contact please contact Voluntary Service at 561-422-7373.
