Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 Military Order of the Purple Heart, P.O. Box 1345, Lecanto, FL 34460-1345
Tel: 352-637-3265 or 352-382-3847 Email: info@citruspurpleheart.org
CHAPTER PURPOSE
To preserve the proud legacy of the Purple Heart Medal.
Annual Report - The Seventh Year
June 1, 2010 – May 31, 2011
Membership
During the Seventh Year, Chapter 776 gained 11 new life members for a regular membership growth of 10% for 2010-11 and 641% since the chapter was formed in April 2004. Chapter 776 also gained three new associate life members. As of May 31, 2011, Chapter 776 had 109 regular life members and 34 life associate members for a total membership of 143. Ladies Auxiliary membership remained stagnant at six life members. Sadly, the chapter’s membership growth was offset by the deaths of seven Chapter 776 Patriots: William Maroney, June 29; Delvin DeRoss, November 10; George Lee, November 30; Ralph Nardone, January 10; Ennis Ramey, February 4; Roland Whytsell, February 26; and Charter Member Albert Siebert, March 30. Patriot Harold Layman was named the 2010-11 Chapter 776 Patriot of the Year. Patriots John Auble and Donald Schroeder were grand marshals for the Citrus County 19th Annual Veterans Day Parade. Patriots Curt Ebitz, J.B. Haskins, Richard Hunt, Ray Michael and Jim Ralph were appointed to Department offices.
Fundraising Activities
Chapter 776 fundraising continued to be adversely impacted by a stagnant economy, high unemployment and competition for fundraising venues with other non-profit organizations. Consequently, viola fundraising drives were only conducted in October and April raising a total of $883.43. The chapter participated in the Citrus County Fair with the Department of Florida Afghanistan/Iraq Memorial Portrait Mural. While the weeklong participation raised the MOPH’s public visibility, it reaped a disappointing $350.00 in donations. Other fundraising sources, including an inaugural Poker Run, netted $2,427.00 for a grand total of $3,660.43. The Chapter 776/Citrus County Tax Collector Office fundraising partnership raised $5,450.74 for the Citrus County Veterans Foundation, which provides emergency grants to honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses. Since inception in 2004, the partnership has raised $37,679.26.
Charitable Activities
Per Chapter 776 By-Laws, monies raised, less fundraising expenses, are allocated as follows: Citrus County Veterans Foundation 30% and Chapter 776 Memorial Monument Fund 30%. Given the health of the College of Central Florida Endowed Scholarship Fund, chapter members voted to suspend its 20% allocation. Chapter 776 By-laws also authorize donations to area JROTC units and military-oriented youth organizations, as well as recognition of community organizations and individuals. Per Department of Florida By-laws, fundraising monies are also assessed 10%. During the Seventh Year, Chapter 776 donated the following charitable gifts: Citrus County Veterans Foundation, $1,133.50; CF Endowed Scholarship, $500.00; Wreaths Across America, $150.00; community recognition/support, $240.00; memorial services/activities, $635.00; plus Department of Florida fundraising and per capita assessments totaling $332.55. Grand total for charitable giving during the Seventh Year was $2,991.05
Legacy Activities
In support of the chapter’s purpose “To promote the proud legacy of the Purple Heart Medal”, 88 activities were conducted or participated in to include five commemorative events: Flag Day observance; Purple Heart breakfast; Pearl Harbor dinner; Purple Heart ceremony honoring Citrus County’s fallen and wounded with approximately 500 in attendance; and Armed Forces Day picnic. Also, the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed August 7, 2010 Purple Heart Day. Gaining a new JROTC unit, the chapter participated in eight JROTC annual awards ceremonies. Chapter 776 also participated in Veterans Day parade and memorial service; massing of the colors ceremony; two veterans’ fairs; 23 classroom visits; and monthly coffee/donut support of local VA CBOC. Memorial plaques were presented to the NOK of two fallen heroes plus plaques to the Citrus County Tax Collector Office and West Citrus Elks. Chapter 776 photos were featured in the Purple Heart Magazine plus the Citrus County Chronicle did a front-page feature story on Patriot Jack Ness and published numerous chapter photos and press releases.
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