Business View Magazine - September 2016 23
yard cleanup, or the addition of accessibility features,
such as ramps, railings, or grab bars. The credit union
then raises funds by engaging the community in sup-
port of the project. Most work can be completed by
credit union staff and local volunteers in two days or
less, at an average cost of $5,000.
One ‘wildly’ popular and profitable fundraising event,
hosted by a credit union in Oklahoma City, netted more
than $26,000. The proceeds of their Wild West Casino
Night covered the renovation costs of four approved
veterans’ homes. Dave Willis, Executive VP and CEO
of Oklahoma’s Tinker Federal Credit Union, acknowl-
edged, “Veterans that need help don’t self-identify,
and usually say ‘someone else needs more help than
me.’ So, we worked with the Veterans Corner to locate
veterans that meet the criteria developed by the Pur-
ple Heart Homes team.”
The 2016 Purple Heart Homes campaign, Operation
Veteran Home Renovation, continues until mid-Novem-
ber. So, there are still plenty of opportunities to pledge
your time, skills, and funds. Participating leagues and
credit unions have until Nov. 12 to complete a project
or make a direct donation to Purple Heart Homes.
Learn more about Purple Heart Homes, and how to
join the movement to renovate veterans’ homes in
your area, at
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Purple Heart Homes Cofounders John Gallina and Dale Beatty trained to not leave a soldier behind on the battle-
field, committed to not leaving them behind at home. (PRNewsFoto/Purple Heart Homes)
