Families of World War II Veterans held its ninth annual golf tournament and fundraising event on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at the world-class Cowboys Golf Club resort in Grapevine, Texas. This event is the organization's largest fundraising initiative of the year.
Proceeds from the tournament went toward the Families of World War II Veterans scholarship fund. This fund annually awards multiple scholarships to students pursuing an undergraduate degree at the college of their choice. To receive the scholarship, applicants must detail the historical significance of World War II and what the lessons and events of the war mean to them. Academic standing and financial need are also considered when selecting recipients.
The mission of Families of World War II Veterans is to create scholarship opportunities for college-bound or continuing college students across the U.S. who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need. The organization strives to educate future generations about the significance of World War II and honor and preserve the legacies of its heroes.
This year, the organization's luncheon featured a special guest speaker, 99-year-old World War II Veteran Cpl. Donald Graves. Graves, a member of the veterans' charity Roll Call of North Texas, spoke about his service in World War II as part of the United States Marine Corps and highlighted his survival from the infamous battle of Iwo Jima.
Major sponsors for this year's event include MetLife, 1Dental, Careington International Corporation and affiliate company DialCare, UnitedHealthcare, GEHA Solutions Inc., Buckman Partnership, Parkwood Collision, Compass Rose Health Plan, Fannin Tree Farm, HealthMarkets, Keene Luxury Travel, SKYGEN, Texas Lighting Solutions, VSP, LIFE Association Inc., Brown & Brown Insurance, Cowboy Wagyu, Wellfit, Trestle Tree, Key Dental Plan and more. A complete list of sponsors can be found on the Families of World War II Veterans website.
Families of World War II Veterans was formed in 2010 by the organization's Founder and President Barbara Fasola. She was inspired to create Families of World War II Veterans in honor of her father, a World War II veteran who served in the South Pacific.
"We are proud to hold our most successful fundraiser for the ninth consecutive year and continue providing students with scholarship opportunities," Fasola said. "We'd also like to thank our special guest speaker Corporal Graves for attending the luncheon event and sharing his harrowing experience in the war. Families of World War II Veterans strives to honor and preserve the legacies of veterans like Corporal Graves by educating future generations about their monumental sacrifices."
Contributions to the scholarship fund are also due to generous donations by tournament players and individuals in the community. To learn more about Families of World War II Veterans and its mission, become a part of the community or contribute to the scholarship fund, please visit www.familiesww2veterans.org.