The Inn to host 4th annual Long Beach Waterfront Warriors fundraiser

The Inn, at 943 West Beech Street, will hold its fourth annual fundraiser for the Long Beach Waterfront Warriors on Saturday, July 7, for wounded soldiers and their families who visit Long Beach this summer.

The event will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., offering an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment for a $40 entrance fee. Special prizes will be raffled off and a live auction will take place for items such as autographed music, entertainment and sports memorabilia, concert tickets, restaurant and merchant gift certificates.

In cooperation with the City of Long Beach, the Waterfront Warriors will hold a 5K race for the soldiers on Sunday, July 22 at 8 a.m. on the boardwalk at Riverside Blvd. At 3 p.m., the 4th annual Welcome Parade for the soldiers will take place, which runs from Ohio Avenue to New York Avenue along Beech Street. Bring the entire family out to salute these heroes. Parade is followed by a BBQ at Long Beach Catholic Regional School and is open to the public.

The annual visit is being organized by LBWW's with officials at Water Reed Medical National Military Medical Center who will make plans for recuperating soldiers to visit Long Beach from July 20 to 26, 2012. During their time here, the families will be treated to beach events, surfing lessons, barbecues and a trip to New York City along with other activities for some deserved leisure time.

LBWW's goal is to bring comfort and relaxation to soldiers and their families when they visit Long Beach. We count on volunteers to help us in our mission, and invite all who are interested to join us. Residents are welcome to open their homes to families by becoming house hosts. We seek soldier liaisons that can assist the families while in town, and need volunteers to help serve food to our guests on the beach and at BBQ’s.

In addition to the summer trip, we have provided veterans with emergency medical services and evaluations; educational support; equipment purchases for recuperating veterans at Northport VA Hospital; and with the help of volunteers and donations, we have sent hundreds of holiday care packages to soldiers overseas each December. We are proud that over 95 percent of donations to LBWW’s go directly to support the men and women who have served our country. For more information about volunteering or making a donation, contact info@lbwaterfrontwarriors.org or visit www.lbwaterfrontwarriors.org.