DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A dinner celebration in Door County salutes area veterans by saying thank you.
Door County Farm For Vets is hosting the holiday event on Saturday. Organizers say the get-together is designed to be more than just a free meal.
On the outskirts of Sturgeon Bay, preparations are underway inside the Door Country Event Venue.
“No, I like it. I think it’s beautiful in here,” said Jacob VandenPlas, DC Farm For Vets CEO.
VandenPlas says the very first holiday dinner is approaching.
“We’re expecting somewhere between 40 and 50 people to be floating through, throughout the day. It’s open to all veterans and their families. Come help us celebrate our very first season. We’ve had a successful season.”
VandenPlas runs the non-profit organization at his 40-acre farm south of Sturgeon Bay. The group teaches veterans about farming, with the goal of them eventually starting their own operation. He says birds raised on the farm will be on the menu.
“We will have turkey, potatoes, sweet potatoes — I think we got six or seven pies coming, deviled eggs fresh from the farm.”
The meal is a chance for veterans to meet other veterans.
“I think it’s good. Anytime you can have that social interaction, and that’s just healthy and good, and something that’s definitely needed in that community,” said Phil Schmitz, owner of Door County Event Venue where the meal will take place.
“And also to make sure that veterans know that we’re all coming together — that you have a support system here,” said VandenPlas. Our biggest drive has always been to eliminate veteran suicide, which is now down to 17.6 veterans per day. It used to be at 22 a day, and it dropped to 20. We’re going to keep working until that number hits zero.”
The meal event runs from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
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