Vettes to Vets (V2V) History

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V2V ended after Covid.   

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. 

"Vettes to Vets" is, sadly, no longer a gathering of hundreds of Corvettes from as far as Canada, and there is no longer car show parking in the Bedford VA lawn. 

Since Covid, the V2V event details have changed every year. The parade is currently  limited as to the number of Corvettes that can attend. 

 Donations are still being accepted at the Bedford VA and highly encouraged whether items or are monetary. 

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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.