Veterans Day fundraiser helps homeless

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James McGaugh was proudly dressed for Veterans Day on Wednesday night, though his uniform — a brightly striped sweater, a pair of Wrangler jeans and the nicest pair of socks he said he’s ever owned — was not what might come to mind for a former Marine of the Vietnam War era.

A veteran and Lansing resident, McGaugh was dressed for a fashion show hosted as part of the fifth annual fundraiser held for the Lansing Volunteers of America, 500 N. Capitol Ave., in Lansing, by the Lansing Community College People for Positive Social Change.

For the first time, the annual event included the fashion show, which featured local heroes dressed in outfits they purchased for $15 or less from the Volunteers of America’s Thrift Store.

The event typically raises thousands of dollars for services provided by the Volunteers of America, Vice President Patrick Patterson said. The organization lost about 65 percent of revenue within the past five years, threatening the work it can provide, he said. Volunteers of America’s services include a homeless shelter and the provision of meals.

Several dozens of people showed up for this year’s event, which focused on veterans and featured performances from two local bands, Frog & the Beeftones and Mighty Medicine, in addition to the fashion show.

“A vet really gives up a lot when they join the service,” Patterson said. “They give up some civil rights, they promise to go wherever they’re called, to go do whatever comes to hand. I can think of no greater honor and sacrifice than that. The service they deliver to our country, we’re all beholden to that and we should all honor their service.”

Arthur Wohlwill, faculty adviser for the People for Positive Social Change, a Lansing Community College group that promotes taking action on social issues, said the number of meals provided by Volunteers of America increased by 30 percent during the past year.

“There really is a need of support now,” he said.

McGaugh, who calls himself a “very vocal” supporter of veterans’ rights, said he participated in the event as another way to show support for veterans. Veterans today fight for things they should be given, from housing to medicine and beyond, he said.

“I’m going to do what I can (for veterans),” he said. “I can’t do much, but if my being here is supporting (them), I’ll greatly do it because I believe in veterans.”

Former Marine and Vietnam War veteran Rob Rawson said he attended the event to show his appreciation for the people who take the time to recognize the contributions veterans make. The event made the veterans’ days a “bit happier and a bit more blessed,” he said.

“Just to say thanks to us and welcome home, that means a lot,” he said. “Veterans sometimes have a hard time expressing emotions but deep in their hearts, they’re grateful.”

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