In conjunction with the 5th anniversary of the Sept. 17, 2013, signing of the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund into law, The Friends of Delaware Veterans held a press conference on September 13, at Dover’s Masonic Lodge, 1478 Wyoming Mill Rd., Dover.

S. Curtis Cole, President, Board of Managers of Masonic Charities of Delaware, presented a $5,000 donation to the Friends as a major sponsor of the coming November 3rd Annual Friends of Delaware Veterans at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino.

The Friends board is comprised of military veterans who work without compensation or reimbursement so all of what is raised goes to help Delaware Veterans through a dedicated account at the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs.

“Masonic Charities of Delaware is a philanthropy offering assistance to local charitable organizations. It was created several years ago as a result of selling our Masonic Home in Wilmington. It served for over 100 years but because there weren’t enough needy brothers and sisters to continue the home was sold with the proceeds being used to assist other organizations,” said Mr. Cole. “I am a disabled Vietnam Veteran and I wanted to find veteran groups that could benefit.”

“This generous contribution not only brings attention to the good works of the Masons but also underscores the ongoing need of a small number of Delaware’s veterans and families who find themselves in temporary financial difficulty and will hopefully encourage other organizations to contribute,” said Dave Skocik, Friends president.

The annual dinner is the major fundraising event for the Veterans Trust Fund. All contributions to the fund are tax deductible. The fund has stopped repossessions, evictions, made emergency repairs on homes and vehicles, and sometimes put food on the table.

A numeric list of veterans by county who have been assisted by grants from the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund during the last quarter was distributed at the press conference.

Visit www.DelawareVeteransTrustFund.com for more information email dskocik@aol.com or call 302-739-2792 for information on dinner tickets or sponsorship.