More than thirty (30) enthusiastic supporters of the World’s Only Cardboard Boat Museum in New Richmond witnessed a substantial check presentation to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter #63 (Clermont County) on Oct. 3. The check was for $7,315.72!

The $7,315.72 donation represented all the proceeds earned by the members of the Cardboard Boat Museum, during the 8th Annual Paddling for a Cause Event, held during August of 2024 in New Richmond.

“This is the 6th consecutive year that Chapter #63 received a check from the Paddling for a Cause Event,” explained Chapter Commander Steve Smith. “The main purpose of the funds is that 100% of the money donated to the Chapter goes toward programs and projects for veterans here.”

“Last year, when we received a donation of $5,600.19 from the Paddling with a Cause Effort,” continued Commander Smith, “I highlighted what the Chapter did for veterans in our area. I explained, to the members of the Cardboard Boat Museum, how all the funds were used.”

“We account for every single penny we receive and we let our donors know that we are just stewards for any of their donations,” stated Smith. “We believe in the twin concepts of accountability and transparency and how all our supporters’ donations are used.”

To highlight how the previous year’s donations were used by the Chapter, copies of the Chapter’s 2023 Annual Report were passed out to the attendees at the Cardboard Boat Museum. The Report covered the time period of January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.

During the first years of receiving donations from the Cardboard Boat Museum, Chapter #63 discussed veteran projects and programs with the leadership of the Museum.

“We built up trust and reliability with the organization,” added Smith, “and now they trust us to deliver their financial resources to veterans in need via our DAV programs and projects.”

Interim Chapter Commander James Stanzak, substituting on behalf of Commander Smith, received the check from Ms. Angie Jeter, who was the coordinator of the 8th Paddling for a Cause.

Stanzak currently serves as the Chapter’s direct liaison with Soulstang’s Equine PTSD Veterans Therapy Program. “It was a great honor to accept the check at the Cardboard Boat Museum and to personally thank all the members who made this happen,” stated Stanzak.

“Our DAV Chapter is an active chapter and is engaged in a wide variety of programs to assist veterans,” explained Stanzak. “We appreciate the trust that the Cardboard Boat Museum has placed in us, and we are dedicated to proving that every penny of this check will go to assisting our veterans.”

“If anyone would like to receive a copy of the Chapter’s 2023 Annual Report, please contact our Chapter’s Adjutant at plahovinsak@msn.com,” concluded Stanzak. “We are still adding to our Chapter’s accomplishments and achievements on behalf of veterans in 2024.”

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DAV Chapter #63 Receives Check to Help Veterans

Coordinator of the 8th Annual Paddling for a Cause, Angie Jeter (left) presents a large check for $7,315.72 to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter #63 (Clermont County) Interim Chapter Commander James Stanzak (right) during a Presentation Ceremony held at the World’s Only Cardboard Boat Museum in New Richmond, Ohio. This was the 6th time the DAV Chapter received a donation from the proceeds of a Paddling For a Cause Event. “Every cent of the donation will be used to provide needed services, projects and programs for our veterans,” vowed Stanzak at the Presentation. “We are blessed to have an organization such as the Cardboard Boat Museum members supporting us as we support our veterans!”

Photograph taken by DAVA Unit #63 Commander Shirley Plahovinsak

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