Saluting Stories of Service Gala Recap

Thank you for honoring veterans' service, enriching students' education, and raising $150,000 for the continuation and growth of our after-school character-education program.

Gala Highlights

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Cocktail Reception
Cocktail Reception
Mystery Box
Mystery Boxes
gala volunteers
Great Volunteers
Golden Ticket
Golden Ticket
Storyteller Award
Award Presentation
Fast
Special Guest
Student Emcee
Student Emcee
Ballroom
400 Patriots
star

Our Honorees

Alumni Service Award
Justin Yeck shared how lessons from his veterans help guide him through challenges and set him on a positive path.
Storyteller Award Honoree
James Kelsey shares his passion for honoring the braveness and sacrifices of those who serve and whose stories we will never know.

Gala Sponsors

We are thankful to a community whose philanthropic interests value character, education, and civic responsibility.  Our mission is possible because of your commitment to honoring service and investing in our next generation.

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Gala Sponsors

Beyond the Gala

Moments with Special Guest, MG (Ret.) Barbara Fast
Fast shaking hands
School Visit
The day before the gala Jim and Barbara shared their stories with over 200 students at our founding school, Cactus Shadows High School. We always love the questions students ask and their excitement when approaching our speakers after the presentation to shake the hands and thank the veteran for their service.
Flag display
Special Momento
At a luncheon with Veterans Heritage Project's Board the day before the gala, VHP presented Barbara Fast with a flag flown on 11/11/22 over the U.S. cemetery in Normandy, and presented Jim Kelsey with a flag flown on 11/1/22 over the US. cemetery in France where his father, who perished in WWII, is buried.
Fast Interview
Interview
The morning of the gala, Cactus Shadow High School seniors Kacie and Kennedy Keller interviewed MG (Ret. Barbara Fast), capturing stories from her 32 years of service for the 2024 edition of Since You Asked. The sisters participated in VHP for the past six years, and have interviewed a combined total of 14 veterans.