2007 VOLUSIA COUNTY MILITARY SALUTE WEEKEND CHARITIES SUPPORTED "The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission." - John F. Kennedy

Sports Network International has produced this Volusia County Military Salute Weekend to better glorify the men and women of the armed forced and to provide them with the venue to appreciate what they do and to give thanks for their work. Due to the generous support of both individuals and corporations, this event is possible and it will thrive for many years to come.

As a byproduct of this support, a solid percentage of the proceeds from these event sponsors and ticket purchasers is expected to be available to two charities that are deserving benefactors. The first charity is the Unmet Needs project. This effort is spearheaded by the National VFW HQ and Vermont America. Funds from donations are available to the five branches of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard), as well as members of the Reserves and National Guard. Funds awarded by the program are offered in the form of grants, not loans, so recipients don’t need to repay them. Grants from the program have helped many military families with urgent financial needs, including medical expenses, home repairs, car repairs, infant needs, rent/mortgage and more. As they are typically less than $1,500, there is little chance that they will affect the recipient’s taxes.

Vermont American has committed $1.25 million over the next five years, along with advertising and promotional support of the program. That money covers administrative costs, so 100% of public donations received over the website or through the mail goes directly to military families in need. A portion of every purchase of Vermont American Power Tool Accessories (drill bits, saw blades, etc.) also goes to support the Unmet Needs Program.

Additionally, the funds raised during the weekend will provide financial assistance to the Jean K. Weil Foundation. This program grants scholarships to high school seniors who excel in the classroom, on the drill floor and within their community. Established in 2000, this program has evaluated hundreds of worthy seniors looking to gain a financial boost through into their collegiate careers. The two individuals selected to receive the $1,000 scholarships each year remain legendary in the eyes of the thousands of cadets on-hand, as well and the hundreds of thousands that learn about the event through the official publication of Sports Network International, IDR Magazine.

And just like the Unmet Needs program, the Jean K Weil Foundation maintains the unique designation as having 100% of the funds used towards their intended goals, with no money spent towards management, salaries or other Foundation costs. Doing this ensure that 100% of all monies donated to both the Unmet Needs Foundation and the Jean K. Weil Foundation go directly to those deserving recipients. This is possible because Sports Network International pays all overhead costs, thereby keeping 100% of all donated money available for cadet scholarships.

Sports Network International is extremely proud of our association with these two charitable foundations and we are certain that the most you learn of each, the more you will agree no finer charitable groups can be paired with the Military Salute Weekend.