On Saturday the Marblehead VFW hosted an event to raise money for the Marblehead Chapter of Wreaths Across America, who are planning to lay 2,500 wreaths on the graves of veterans who have served in town on Dec. 16.
The fundraiser kicked off at 6 p.m. with a performance by The Melody Makers, who jammed to popular rock songs. Food for the event was donated from local favorites including Mino’s, the Gerry 5, Whole Foods, and Tony’s.
According to Robin Russell, who served in the United States Coast Guard for 8 years, 816 wreaths were sponsored before the event. 432 wreaths were sponsored at the fundraiser, bringing the current total to 1,366. Russell said that 1,134 wreaths are still needed to reach their goal of 2,500. Each wreath is funded from donations and fundraisers, as well as from sponsors.
Wreaths Across America’s motto is “Remember, Honor, Teach,” with the goal of placing a wreath on the grave of every veteran during the holidays. This is the second year that Marblehead has participated. Teresa Collins led the way for the Marblehead Wreaths Across America Chapter to get started last year.
“We have undertaken a huge project to identify and GPS map all veterans in Waterside, Star of the Sea and some of the other smaller cemeteries in town,” Collins said in a statement.
The VFW event also featured a number of raffle prizes including Patriot Seafoods, Davio’s, Carmen’s Jewelry, Shubies, Gilbert and Cole, and Beacon Hill Imports.
Wreaths can still be sponsored for $17. The Marblehead, MA Wreaths Across America Facebook page continues to post ways that you can make a donation to sponsor a wreath, as well as updates on new and exciting raffle prizes that have been donated.