Acting Adjutant General Hosts Annual Fishing Tournament for Residents of State Veterans Homes

DAUPHIN, Pa., June 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Residents from three State Veterans Homes spent the day at the Dauphin County Anglers & Conservationists Club in Dauphin for an annual fish tournament hosted by Brig. Gen. Tony Carrelli, acting adjutant general for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

"Residents from our state veterans homes are participating in an activity made possible from donations to each homes' Resident Welfare Fund. The money that is donated provides activities ranging from musical entertainment to sporting events to field trips to local attractions," said Carrelli. "There's a saying, 'Fishing is fun, but catching fish is even better!' Well, for today, happiness for these veterans is a fishing rod in their hand and a fish pulling on their line."

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has added a new opportunity for individuals or businesses to make an online donation to the State Veterans Homes Resident Welfare Funds. Donations via the website, http://www.donate.dmva.pa.gov/, will be used to provide activities, trips and entertainment for the residents.

Donors have been able to make online donations to the Veterans' Trust Fund (VTF) and the Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP) since December 2015 and to the Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial Trust Fund since May 24, 2016. All that is needed to make an online donation is internet access. The website features responsive design technology to make it readily accessible on mobile devices and computers. Donations can be made by using MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express.

"Gifts of any amount are appreciated, and donors can be assured that their online donation is secure, tax-deductible and benefits the fund they select," Carrelli stated.

The donation application features a Virtual Donor Wall where donors may choose to enter honoree information and a plaque in their honor will be displayed on the Virtual Donor Wall by the end of the next business day. Online plaques will show that donations have been made: 'in honor of', 'in memory of' or 'on behalf of' someone.

"We wanted to give donors an opportunity to make a lasting tribute with their donation so the Virtual Donor Wall was our way to make it more meaningful," added Carrelli.

The six homes serve more than 1,500 eligible veterans and their spouses. They include the Delaware Valley Veterans' Home in Philadelphia, the Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center in Scranton, the Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home in Hollidaysburg, the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home in Erie, the Southeastern Veterans' Center in Spring City, and the Southwestern Veterans' Center in Pittsburgh.

"DMVA's 25th annual State Veterans' Homes Week will be celebrated June 12-18 with a variety of activities for residents and their families," said Andrew Ruscavage, director of DMVA's Bureau of Veterans Homes. "It is the perfect time to visit the homes, explore various volunteer opportunities and meet some of America's honored veterans."

Tax-deductible contributions can still be made by check or money order made payable to "(Name of Home) Residents Welfare Fund" and mail it to: DMVA Office of Veterans Affairs, Bldg. 0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003.

For more information about veterans' home eligibility or volunteer opportunities visit State Veterans Homes or follow DMVA on Facebook or Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT: Joan Nissley, 717-861-8720

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Related Links

http://www.dmva.state.pa.us