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Community Catalysts Veterans Transitional Services Benefit Dinner Raises Funds for Wounded Service Members

Posted on: Friday, 29 August 2008, 00:00 CDT

Community Catalysts of California, a non-profit organization serving individuals with developmental and other disabilities, held a benefit dinner on Saturday, August 23, to raise funds and awareness for their Veterans Transitional Services program which helps combat-wounded service members and veterans find affordable housing and provide services that help them transition to civilian life.

"Wounded service members face many challenges in their return to civilian life: housing shouldn't be one of them. This dinner was a great way for individuals and families in our community to support our program and meet some of the veterans we're working with," said Jim Jenkins, CEO of Community Catalysts. "We still have a lot of money to raise, but we've been pleasantly overwhelmed by the response."

Several elected officials and their representatives came by to show their support for the program including Congressional Candidate Duncan D. Hunter, El Cajon Mayor Pro Tem Jillian Hanson-Cox and Councilmember Bob McClellan, San Diego Councilmember-Elect Carl DeMaio, and representatives from the offices of Congressman Darrel Issa and Congressman Bob Filner. CCVTS also received from Assembly Member Mary Salas a special recognition from the California Assembly.

Over 300 guests enjoyed a "Grill Your Own Steak" dinner at the El Cajon Elks Lodge, which donated their facilities for the night. Emcee DJ Tommy Chandler, co-host of the Chandler's Watch radio show, singer Dave Magowan, and the Bayou Brothers provided music and entertainment all night.

In addition to the funds raised through ticket sales, sponsors donated money, services and silent auction items to help support CCVTS, including Harley Davidson of El Cajon, Barona Band of Mission Indians, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, San Diego Chargers, San Diego Padres and AT&T.

The CCVTS program provides case management, affordable, accessible housing, daily living skills training, job development, on-the-job coaching, and follow-up services to assure long-term success. To make a donation or learn more about the program, please visit our website: www.ccvts.net.

Community Catalysts of California is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation that has offices throughout California and serves over 1,000 individuals with developmental and other disabilities. They provide training and support services including employment, housing, and daily living skills. During its 25 years of operation, Community Catalysts has returned over $80 million in direct services to more than 5,000 individuals throughout the state of California. For more information about Community Catalysts, please visit their website, www.communitycatalysts.org or call 858-569-1055.

Source: Business Wire

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