Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make me a Match....

Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School on Long Island recently lost one of their own.  Sean Lapersonerie, a 2005 graduate, died when he was hit by a vehicle on New Year's Eve.  Sean had enlisted in the Army in 2006 and was a combat veteran.  He served honorably and earned four meritorious service awards.  Most importantly, he was loved by his fellow soldiers, family and friends.

The Key Club, which focuses on community service, held a fundraiser to honor Sean's memory and to raise funds for other military families.  And although they are serious about their service, the fundraiser was a lot of fun.

The students raised $500 through a Matchmaking Survey.  Students took the survey and then paid for the results and to find their "perfect match."

Two representatives from Hope For The Warriors® came to the high school to accept the donation.  One is Nicole, our program coordinator and the other is Sean DeBevoise, a wounded Marine and veteran who has worked with Hope For The Warriors®.  Sean and Nicole spoke with the students about the challenges faced by wounded service members and their families, the recovery process and the transition into a new life.

I am always impressed with the creativity and generosity of high school students.  I love this fundraiser and I have a special invitation to those who took the survey and paid for their match.

Prom season will soon be here.  If you attend the prom with your "match," send me a photo.  Include your first names and share with us why you participated in the fundraiser and why it was important to support our military families.  I will create a photo gallery on this blog with any of the photos that people send to me.  (awoods@hopeforthewarriors.org)