Houston Business Leaders Pull Together to Help U.S. Veterans
4th Annual Guitars N Cars Auto Show, Silent Auction and Reception Set for October 4th, 2014
HOUSTON—Tuesday, July 23, 2014—Assistance with housing and job placement is not far away for Houston-area veterans, thanks to Houston Construction Industry Charities. The non-profit announced its fourth annual Guitars n Cars Auto Show, Silent Auction and Cocktail Reception will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Sam Houston Race Park. Funds raised at the event will be donated to U.S. VETS-Houston.
"American veterans have sacrificed so much for the protection of our country. It’s our turn to support them and thank them," Gordon Clunn, one of the founders of Houston Construction Industry Charities, said. "We love putting on this event, raising money for a great cause and seeing the impact on our vets. And the outpouring of support from Houston businesses has been amazing."
Three years ago, the Clunn family started Houston Construction Industry Charities as a way to unite the construction industry in support of the local community. The family decided to focus on helping area veterans who were struggling to find housing and jobs. “With so many veterans returning home now, we want to do what we can to ensure they’re taken care of when they get back,” Clunn added.
Since its founding, the non-profit has garnered support from various industries at this annual event. Together, they have donated more than $1 million in goods, services and money to U.S. VETS-Houston’s Midtown Terrace, an apartment complex that serves as temporary housing for local veterans who’d otherwise be homeless. The on-site kitchen was recently opened to not only serve food to Midtown Terrace residents but also provide employment opportunities to some.
This year’s fundraising events will help sustain the kitchen’s operating costs as well as purchase a 12-15 passenger van that will aid veterans in their commute to work and other outings. Funds are being raised through:
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General admission tickets to the Guitars N Cars Auto Show: adult tickets are $10 and children tickets are $5 or free
with a canned food donation -
Guitars N Cars Silent Auction, Casino and Reception: $75 (includes admission into auto show)
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Car entry registration in the Auto Show; $25
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Tradeshow booths during the day-time Auto Show; 10’x10’ for $100 and 20’x 20’ for $200
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Numerous event sponsorships at various levels
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Silent auction items that will be raffled off to the highest bidder.
Tickets, sponsorships and auto show registrations are being accepted online at GuitarsNCars.org. The event is open to the public and is a rain or shine event. The Guitars N Cars Auto Show from noon-5 pm is a family-friendly event that will feature a kid zone with plenty of activities and live music in addition to the auto show. The Guitars N Cars Silent Auction and Reception from 6-10 pm is an adult-only celebration that includes casino games, live music, a display of for-sale guitars from Fuller’s Guitars, a silent auction and dinner.
About Houston Construction Industry Charities
Founded in 2012, Houston Construction Industry Charities (HCIC) consists of volunteers across all industries with the purpose of supporting U.S. veterans with housing, job placement and general needs. A 501c3, HCIC is currently dedicated to helping the US Vets program, mainly focusing on the Houston Midtown Terrace Facility. Since its founding, HCIC has raised over $1 million for this program.
About U.S. VETS-Houston
The United States Veterans Initiative (U.S. VETS) is committed to the successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provision of housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support. Founded in 1998, U.S.VETS-Houston currently has a location in Midtown and a service center in downtown Houston. U.S.VETS-Houston serves 323 veterans daily.