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. 

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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(Leaving the below information hoping it returns as in the past for  2023)

The V2V Cruise is  held  on the last Sunday of September, which is  Gold Star Mother's Day.  It is  rain or shin.

There is no admission to join the cruise but we ask 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 begin gathering at 7:30am at the cruise's starting point, the Marriott Hotel, 270 Concord Rd, Billerica, MA. 

At approximately 11:30, the caravan begins the cruise to its destination, the Bedford Veterans Hospital, Bedford Ma.

The cruise through Bedford is now a much anticipated event by the town's residents! The route is 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. 

Some of the residents will 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.

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

HOTEL SPECIAL RATES: Contact the Marriott at 978-670-7500 by September 1st, and mention Vettes to Vets for a special room rate. Ask about cancelation policies, and specials on evening dinner buffets and breakfast. 

AWARDS: Veterans Choice Trophy presented to one car.

FOOD: Free BBQ Provided. Donations are graciously accepted. All proceeds go to the hospital. 

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.