Vietnam Veterans of America

Pinellas County Chapter 522

“Five Double Deuce”

“Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.”


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How We Fund Our Activities

Chapter 522 strives to minimize our administrative costs and operating expenses so that a very high percentage of every dollar raised through our fund-raising events is allocated to projects and/or veterans programs. Our members often work long hours at special events to generate funds for specific projects or targeted program initiatives. Listed below are some of the major ways we finance our activities during a typical calendar year:

- Chapter 522 has hosted the Dwight Harrah Golf Tournament for the past 5 years in memory of one of our  members who passed away in 2006. The proceeds received from tournament sponsorships, raffles, auctions, and entry fees are a primary source of funds for our annual operating budget.

- The chapter subcontracts with food service vendors or local government agencies to man food and beverage booths at special events held in and around Pinellas County. Some of these events are undertaken in partnership with the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Among the larger events we work are:    

-The MacDill Airfest which is typically a 2-day event held at Macdill Air Force Base in Tampa. Chapter 522 and the PVA have operated a food booth at the event This event is widely attended by the public and supported by all branches of our military.

- Concerts at Coachman Park in Clearwater. These are normally a 1-day or a 2-day event. Chapter 522 provides the manpower for the beer and wine concessions. We also provide manpower to check identification for person buying alcoholic beverages.

- The chapter coordinates with local vendors to display our banners and flags while soliciting donations for poppies, American flags, or specially designed campaign buttons. These events are typically held close to major holidays such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

- Chapter 522 will also set up and man our own booth to sell coffee mugs and other items. An example of this activity is the 2-day John’s Pass Seafood Festival typically held during November. These types of events also have a secondary importance in that it provides an opportunity to meet other Vietnam veterans and make them aware of our organization and our activities.

- The chapter is currently looking at other options such as working the food court as some baseball spring training games. We would like to leverage our expertise on operating food booths at locations in areas where on members live.