Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids to Receive Large Donation on Christmas Eve to Benefit Veteran Members

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids is honored to be accepting a $30,000 donation at its upcoming Christmas Eve Bingo Party. Leo and Valerie Martin, owners of the Rolling Rock Ranch in Hershey, along with Friends of Rolling Rock Ranch, the non-profit organization that hosts an annual pheasant hunt to benefit local veterans, are behind the generous donation, which will directly benefit and support the resident members at the Home. The donation will be presented on Friday, December 24 at 2 p.m. at 3000 Monroe Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

"All of our success is attributed directly to the individuals, businesses and social groups who so generously donate to our cause, we could not do it without all of their support," said Don Pyles, treasurer of Friends of Rolling Rock Ranch. "2021 is our sixth year and in total, we have donated over $160,000 directly to the veteran resident members of Michigan Veteran Home at Grand Rapids.

"Friends of Rolling Rock Ranch was founded in 2016, after three friends and their spouses got together and discussed how to give back to the local community of veterans. While the founding members of the organization did not receive the call to serve in the military, each of their parents served proudly and fostered that passion for recognizing veterans for their selfless service.

"Rolling Rock Ranch and Friends of Rolling Rock Ranch have truly been the patriarchs of never letting our veterans feel forgotten," said Tiffany Carr, community engagement coordinator for Michigan Veteran Homes. "Every year they invite our veterans to participate in their annual fundraiser to hunt pheasant, break bread with friends and enjoy the ranch. The veterans look forward to this hunting experience every year."

While this event is closed to the public, media are invited to attend to capture the check presentation and remarks by Friends of Rolling Rock Ranch Vice President Brian Bennitt and Treasurer Don Pyles. Media should plan to be in place at the entrance to the old home under the white canopy no later than 1:45 p.m. Media are asked to kindly RSVP to Michael Kroll at 517-285-9734 or krollm2@michigan.gov.