Vettes to Vets (V2V) 2023

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  In 2003, Ron Mornea, a proud corvette owner and member of the Second Corps Cadets Veterans Group, asked the Corvette community to help support our country's veterans. 

Twenty five Corvette owners began, what is now, one the largest Corvette Community events to aid our country's local veterans. Every year V2V now collects and  delivers much-needed personal supplies. 

Now, Corvette clubs from many states and even from our Northern Friends, Canada, have joined and represented in support. God bless them all. 

In 2013, after ten successful years of growing the event's awareness throughout the Corvette Communities, Ron passed the torch to his close friend, Karen Blandini, who has aided him for many years in coordinating this large scale event.

 (PRE-COVID)
The V2V Cruise WAS  held  on the last Sunday of September, which is  Gold Star Mother's Day,  rain or shine.

There  was no admission to join the cruise but asked that you bring a "goodie bag" (no limit to size of the bag) of items (see Details) that are much needed by our Veterans.

Cars began gathering at 7:30am at the cruise's starting point, the Marriott Hotel, 270 Concord Rd, Billerica, MA. At approximately 11:30, the caravan began the cruise to its destination, the Bedford Veterans Hospital, Bedford Ma.

The cruise through Bedford became a  much anticipated event by the town's residents! The route was lined with American-Flag-waving residents en-masse, who love a parade of beautiful cars but who also know the caravan's mission to aid our Veteran's. 

However, the people most excited for the arrival of the Vettes are the residents of the Bedford Veterans Hospital. 

Nearly 1000 Corvettes (in 2019) would then park on the grounds at the Hospital! There was a BBQ, live music and trophies awarded. 

Some of the residents would come out to see the cars and greet the owners, while others have a bird's eye-view from their rooms of the hundreds of Corvette Owners that have come to support and honor of them. 

We hope that someday, this event returns to its grandness. 

Taken from the V2V Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/vettestovets/

"Vettes to Vets this year, 2022, will be different from the past. This year it will be on 10/2 instead of Gold Star Mother’s Day due to a conflict with the hospital.  As always, we are collecting donations for the hospital. Donation collection will be at the hotel from 12-1:00 with the parade starting 1:30. There will be several trips around the hospital and then a return to the hotel.  There will be no parking at the hospital, so no car show. Karen is trying to organize an event at the hotel after the parade but that is TBD. I will post more information as it becomes available."

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 2022 DETAILS Very different from past V2V

Vettes to Vets 2022 Parade Only.  

There will be no parking event at the hospital! 
Parade is limited to 75-100 Corvettes due to logistics
Rain Date: Sunday, 10/2.  
Canceled if both days are raining

Vettes will gather  Courtyard Marriott, 270 Concord Rd . Billerica between 11:30-1:00 on Departing with a limited number of Corvettes (75-100) and parade around the hospital once or twice.  The limited number is based on logistics and campus size. 

A 10-room block is being set up this week at the hotel with a of rate $110/night + tax. (9/30 – 10/2).  Once again, the Courtyard Marriott is offering Vettes to Vets an amazing room rate!  To reserve a room, call 888.236.2427 and ask for the Vettes to Vets 2022 room block.

Note:  The hotel is still not in a position to offer any food or bar service at this time. Therefore, there would be no Saturday night banquet/auction, no Sunday morning buffet breakfast, no lobby food/bar service.  Guests could utilize the lobby dining area with takeout but no open alcohol containers. 

Opportunities to support our Veterans are still available and greatly appreciated.  

Contact Info and Links:

Karen Blandini: 781-858-1810

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vettestovets/

Bedford VA Hospital: https://www.bedford.va.gov/features/VettestoVets.asp

DONATION ITEMS REQUESTED

• NO FOOD, Please!

• Check donations  made payable to Vettes to Vets . Memo  "GPF 9001"

• Bottled Water

• Gift Cards: Walmart, Target, Grocery Stores, Dollar Stores, Amazon.

• Men's and Women's Clothing (NEW):  sweat pants, sweat shirts, front-zip hoodies, jogging/warm-up suits, white cotton socks/t-undershirts/briefs/panties, colored t-shirts, sweaters, washable slippers, velcro sneakers, hats, gloves, winter and spring jackets, scarves, sports ball caps, belts

• Men's and and Women's Personal Hygiene: (NEW and no hotel size, please), shampoo, conditioner, baby shampoo, liquid body wash, razors, electric rechargeable razors, pre-shave lotions, cosmetics, hand and body lotions, hair brushes/combs, women's personal items

• Overnight bags/suitcases

• Portable Electronics: iPod, MP3/CD players, Earphones, etc. 

If you have any question about donating an item please contact the Bedford VA Hospital or Karen  Blandini.