On Saturday February 14, 2016 Thanks To Yanks had the awesome privilege to help “kick off” National Salute to Veteran Patients Week by bringing a magic show and ice cream sundae bar to the Brockton VA Hospital patients and their families. Tommy James, a comedic magician entertained the crowd of veterans for an hour. (Tommy was so touched by the event that he donated his fee back to Thanks To Yanks – thank you Tommy).
After the show, our volunteers scooped ice cream, topped it off with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles and of course a cherry. The ice cream, sauce and sprinkles were donated by Friendly’s Ice Cream. As the veterans gathered, children and grandchildren of our volunteers handed out Valentine cards that were written by many children; some children from religious education classes at St. Blaise in Bellingham, MA; some from children whose marine dad served in Iraq and Afghanistan; and some written by the children that came with us.
Thanks to Ron Beaulieu who donated 240 individual bags of Utz chips that the veterans were able to enjoy during the show. Some of the veterans were called to be participants in the magic show, which garnered many laughs. As we mingled and talked with the veterans after the show, we heard such positive comments and saw many twinkling eyes and fabulous smiles. Thanks To Yanks was also able to provide many gift cards that will be distributed to the out-patients as well as those veterans seeking housing and job assistance. We are looking forward to doing many events for our military members, veterans and their families.