Hold the Date for the Duluth Merchants Association's
9th Annual Spring Benefit Dinner & Auction

Saturday, March 28

Sentinels of Freedom - Gwinnett

About this Year's Event

About Sentinels of Freedom - Gwinnett

The SOF Group started as a grassroots promise to accept responsibility for the well being of severely injured men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who are returning to civilian life and show promise for bright and productive futures. After years of relocating with the military, the men and women who accept the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship are ready to establish roots and belong to a community. That’s why local involvement is paramount to the program’s and - more importantly - the Sentinels’ success. A volunteer team of up to 10 business professionals, with associations and relationships that are relevant to the components of the program, mobilizes to carry out the Sentinels of Freedom mission in its community. Team members coordinate and manage local donations, and prepare for the Sentinel’s arrival, including a “Welcome Home” ceremony. The Gwinnett community team of Professionals accepts responsibility for raising the money to fund their local program, and 100 percent of those funds go directly to supporting that community’s hero.

The Sentinels Need Your Help

It can cost up to $25,000 a year for four years, per life scholarship recipient to help these young warriors get the jump-start back into civilian life that they need. Whatever your beliefs regarding our military presence in the Middle East, supporting our troops is a cause that can unify us. We are not a politically motivated organization, instead we are a helping-hands group with a deep appreciation for the sacrifices our men and women in the military make, and a profound respect for their drive to rehabilitate after severe injury and make a place for themselves and their families in a civilian world.

“Our mission is to provide life-changing opportunities for men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who have suffered severe injuries and need the support of grateful communities to realize their dreams.”

About this Year's Event

The Saturday night evening will begin at 6 pm with guests enjoying the Silent Auction offerings while listening to the fabulous live band Full Circle. (www.myspace.com/fullcirclegeorgia)    The evening will proceed with a sumptuous taste of Duluth dinner followed by the program on Sentinels of Freedom and how this special charity is making life better for those in need in our community. The Humanitarian Sponsor will be introduced and presented to the guest by Harold Stamey.

The Live Auction will follow and promises fun for all. All DMA Members are welcome to join the festivities. The Tickets are only $75.00 per person, a Reserved Table of (8)eight is $550.00. Sponsorships are available; please contact Tim Thornberry at (678) 987-2606 for additional information. This is the opportunity to showcase your business! We are seeking Silent Auction Items as well as Live Auction Items.

Please call George Rhode at (404) 375-9381 to make your auction donation to this great cause!

WE NEED Volunteers…Committees with opening for volunteers:

Silent Auction/Live Auction……….....Contact George Rhode (404) 375-9381

Food and Beverage…………..............Contact Richard Daluga (770) 366-4561

Beverage/Décor…………..................Contact Sunny Ramsay (678) 312-6839

PR/Marketing………........................Contact Jess Vics (770) 623-3323

Sponsorship…...............................Contact Tim Thornberry (678) 987-2606