One Million Dollars Raised at Private Fundraising Events to Support Veterans
DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 21, 2017 – The sixth annual “Boot’n and Shoot’n” and “Boot’n and Salute’n Benefit Dinner” raised a record $1,000,000 to support military veterans.
Both events, sponsored by Benchmark Mortgage, a mortgage banker located in Plano, Texas, support the work of The Brain Treatment Foundation, Third Option Foundation, 22Kill, and the Dallas Fort Worth Fallen Officer Foundation. Kara Williams of the Brain Treatment Foundation stated, “The money raised will offer life-altering treatment programs to veterans that are otherwise unavailable through the VA. This will not only change the life of a veteran, but will also affect their families, their loved ones and the community they served. We are so honored to be a part of the most patriotic day in Texas.”
New this year was the addition of the Boot’n and Salute’n Benefit Dinner held on April 5, 2017. The dinner honored veteran heroes and their families with moving tributes and stories. The dinner also featured a stirring keynote address from retired US Army Lt. Col. Allen West and a live auction. To top off the evening, guests were treated to a private concert from Stoney LaRue. The Boot’n and Shoot’n event held on April 6, 2017, at the Dallas Gun Club featured a clay shooting competition that paired veterans and civilians for a few hours of fun followed by silent and live auctions and live music from Jon Wolf.
What started in as means to establish support for veterans and their families in the Dallas area has quickly grown into an event to honor and serve those from around the country who have given so much to so many. These events allow veterans and civilians to spend time with each other to build a community of support. Andrew Paul, Benchmark branch manager and former Navy SEAL, put it best when he said, “Honor your veterans and the fallen in how you live your life.” There is no better way to live than in serving others and offering gratitude to our service men and women.
Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC d/b/a Benchmark Mortgage (Benchmark) is a full-service mortgage banker. The company, founded in 1999, operates retail origination branch offices nationwide. In living out Benchmark’s core values, our branch offices are committed to the communities they serve, promising thoughtful, responsive, and efficient service.