‘An All-American Evening’ raises $62,000 to support care facilities

  • Published
  • By Libby Van Hook
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs director
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The Fisher/Nightingale Houses Inc. recently raised $62,000 during the fourth annual "An All-American Evening ... A Rockin' American Bandstand" at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event support the day-to-day operations of the Fisher and Nightingale Houses compassionate care homes located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Conducted in partnership with the Air Force Association and the Miami Valley Military Affairs Association, the event provided guests with a wide variety of items from which to choose during the live and silent auctions. All auction items were donated by community and business members and individuals and raised more than $23,000.

"This is the biggest crowd we've ever had," said Chris Stanley, FNHI executive director. "We exceeded all the goals we set for this year. We sold more than 300 tickets, collected more than 160 auction items and raised more money for FNHI than we expected."

Without the tremendous support of the community on and off base, Mr. Stanley said they could never have made this event the success it was.

Auction items included a wide variety of merchandise in every price range, including hand-quilted wall hangings, wine and food baskets, art and even jewelry. Retired Maj. Gen. Ed Mechenbier served as the emcee and auctioneer for higher priced items that evening, such as a ride on the Wright "B" Flyer and dinner for eight prepared in your home by master chef David Glynn of the Wright-Patterson Club.

In addition to the $62,000 the event raised, a special presentation was made during the evening when Mr. Stanley announced a private donor from the Cleveland area contributed $30,000 for day-to-day operating expenses and $175,000 toward the capital fund for a new 11 bedroom facility breaking ground next spring. The donation was made in honor of the 1st Platoon of Lima Company, one of the hardest hit units in the war in Iraq. During a seven-month deployment, these Marines saw almost daily combat and with 23 men killed in action, more casualties than any U.S. company. Several members of the Lima Company were in attendance and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Guests enjoyed gourmet fare, including a seafood bar and carving station, prepared by Chef Glynn, as well as wine and beer tasting. Entertainment supported the theme by playing 1950s-70s dance tunes spun by disc jockey Mike Glynn.

The Fisher and Nightingale Houses provide a safe and comfortable place where military families can stay while they receive medical care at the Wright-Patterson Medical Center. Active duty and retired military families of all branches of the service, and the Guard and Reserve are welcome on a space-available basis.

Plans are already in the works for next year's All-American Evening. For more information, contact Mr. Stanley at 372-5784 or visit http://www.FNHI.org.