Organizers of Vet Fest near Middletown are hoping to hit a fundraising milestone this year – the $1 million mark – and it all started with one teenager’s idea.
The celebration with music, food, a parade, races and walks has a serious goal: preventing suicides by veterans and military personnel.
The ninth Vet Fest will be Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Town of Whitehall, 801 Mapleton Ave., Middletown.
A 5K run, 10K ruck military-style run and a family walk are the main fundraisers along with a group motorcycle ride. For registration information, see the website www.vetfestdelaware.com .
Live music from noon to 5 p.m. features a Billy Joel tribute by Angry Young Band followed by Club Phred.
Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
The teen who inspired the fundraiser was a Saint Mark’s High School student at the time who graduated from The Citadel and is now an Army captain – Jacob DiSabatino.
He created “ 22in22 ” in 2015 as a service project because about 22 veterans and military personnel die each day of suicide. He asked people to do an activity like walking or biking every day for 22 days to raise funds for the nonprofit “Stop Soldier Suicide” and raise awareness. Many joined the cause including students, veterans, politicians, musicians and movie stars.
More military news: Students at Dover school remember World War II pilot with request for ultimate tribute We asked Jacob about the origin of the program. Question: Why did you want to start 22in22? Answer: I started 22in22 after my dad got a recommendation from his friend, Brian Kinsella, founder of Stop Soldier Suicide, to start a small community service fundraiser. I was drawn to veteran outreach due to my desire to join the Army. How did 22in22 lead to Vet Fest? My cousin, Michael Petrillo, had the brainchild idea of creating a music festival, sort of the Firefly for veterans. The first year my dad, my sister Jacqueline and our family and friends did outreach to the National Guard, local veteran groups, motorcycle clubs, Delaware Tech and several blues bands. I’m […]
Vet Fest: Teen’s idea turns into $1 million fundraiser helping veterans with mental health
