The Aurora Navy League Council 247 will hold its first in-person monthly dinner meeting since February, Tuesday, Sept. 15 in the basement of the former Aurora Library, 1 East Benton Street, Aurora. The room is large and social distancing will be practiced for seating. A choice of box dinners and non-alcoholic drink will be available and ordered from an Aurora-area vendor, so that appropriate COVID-19 precautions will be observed. Attendees should bring masks and those with abnormal body temperatures will not be allowed to participate.
A reception will begin at 5:15 p.m. followed by a meeting at 5:45 p.m. and dinner afterward. The cost is $21 all-inclusive if a dinner box is ordered. The meeting will conclude at 8 p.m..
The after dinner speakers will be Ms Betty Stamatis, president of Fisher House-Illinois (FOHF-IL) and Mr. Ray Stripling, FOHF-IL Board of Directors and Capital Fund Raising chairman. They will discuss the mission of Fisher House throughout America and the completed and planned projects in Illinois. They will show a video and respond to a question-and-answer period.
You do not need to be a member of the Navy League, or have a reservation, to attend the meeting, the general public is welcome. The Navy League is a civilian organization started by president Teddy Roosevelt to provide civilian support the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and Sea Cadets.
FOFH-IL is a non-profit formed in 2008 has raised funds to outfit Hines VA Fisher House and sustain operations and maintain the facility so 11,000 military families, 22,000 individuals, have received lodging with meals and quality-of-like outings for 11 years, saving them approximately $13.5 Million. FOFH-IL is now mounting a capital campaign to help pay a share of the planned Fisher House at Captain James Lovell Federal Healthcare Center. In addition, FOFH-IL is garnering funds to outfit the Lovell Fisher House with necessities in preparation for its grand opening.
Betty Stamatis worked as a successful communications, marketing and public relations specialist. She first encountered the Fisher House Foundation and its humanitarian support for military families while developing a cause relationship for a family-owned pharmaceutical company wishing to give back to the community in a meaningful way. She coordinated formation of Fisher Houses for Illinois responsible for the local fundraising drive to raise Illinois’ share of the $5.7-Million construction costs for Hines VA Fisher House. Next, she stepped up to form Friends of Fisher House-Illinois to sustain Hines VA Fisher House ensuring all families stay as long as necessary and that all their needs are provided completely free of any charges. She has headed the non-profit for 12 years.
Ray Stripling, a USMC veteran, serves on the Friends of Fisher House-Illinois Board of Directors, as the Capital Fund Raising chairman. As groundbreaking approaches for the new Lovell Fisher House, to be located within walking distance of the Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Ray is meeting with groups who are populated by our country’s greatest asset, the American military veteran and active duty service members, and their families. Ray’s goal is to leave no question unanswered. The organization which Ray serves, Friends of Fisher House-Illinois, exists to provide the day-to-day financial support for the Illinois Fisher Houses, and the guests they serve, in areas not funded by the VA and the DoD.
The Aurora Council is having a membership drive, and will pay half of the first year’s dues for new members. This is an excellent opportunity to attend an interesting event, and determine whether you would like to join permanently.
— Aurora Navy League Council 247