Community Members Can Help Veterans Attend 22nd Annual Military Ball

SANTA BARBARA — The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) is asking the Santa Barbara community to help local veterans attend the 22nd Annual Military Ball this November.

The Military Ball is a formal event where veterans, active duty military members, and other community members can connect and celebrate during a lively evening complete with a cocktail hour, three-course dinner, dancing, and “Excellence in Service” tributes to those who have selflessly served our country. Guests will also have a chance to bid on extraordinary historic artifacts among other items in a silent auction before the program begins.

Many veterans live on a limited income and would not be able to attend this type of event without financial assistance. Those in the community interested in making a difference in a local veteran’s life can help them attend this highly-anticipated annual event where they will be surrounded by a supportive group of service men and women.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals and businesses in our community to support local veterans,” said John Blankenship, Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation Founder. “The Military Ball is the event of the year for our veterans in the Santa Barbara area, and is a meaningful experience for all who attend. Santa Barbara County is home to so many dedicated veterans and active duty military members. Providing an opportunity for them to build camaraderie, be recognized and appreciated for their sacrifices, and feel like a real part of the community always results in a memorable evening.”

PCVF will host its 22nd Annual Military Ball on Saturday, November 3 at the newly renovated Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort (formerly The Fess Parker Resort in Santa Barbara).

Four-star General Robin Rand will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. General Rand joined the U.S. Air Force in 1974 and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1979. He is Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command and Commander, Air Forces Strategic, U.S. Strategic Command. He has completed more than 5,100 flying hours, including over 480 combat hours. General Rand is the recipient of numerous military honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal and Defense Superior Service Medal.

To sponsor a veteran for the Military Ball or to purchase general admission tickets, please call (805) 259-4394 or e-mail rsvp@pcvf.org. Tickets to the Military Ball are $150 each.

About Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation: Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation is committed to honoring the men and women who have served in uniform at any time. PCVF does this by supporting veterans and active duty members, and related partner organizations, in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, as well as preserving military history and legacy. The Foundation works to uphold Pierre Claeyssens’s vision that those who have served are “Never Forgotten.” PCVF is funded entirely by private donations. For more information, visit www.pcvf.org or call (805) 259-4394.