Virtual pancake breakfast to benefit VetZero

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POUGHKEEPSIE – Karen Smythe, the Democratic candidate for New York State Senate District 41, is hosting a virtual pancake breakfast fundraiser at 10 am on Sunday, May 24th, benefitting Poughkeepsie-based nonprofit VetZero.

Smythe is co-hosting the breakfast with Hudson River Housing and the event will feature remarks by Commander Tommy Zurhellen of Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 170 and a special pancake demonstration by Todd Poteet, formerly of the Art Effect.

Smythe said, “Pancake breakfasts are regular monthly occurrences at VFW posts. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is making in-person gatherings like this impossible. I wanted to find a way to still bring our veterans together, observe and honor Memorial Day safely, and raise funds for this important cause.”

There is a suggested donation of $10 to join. All funds raised will benefit Hudson River Housing’s VetZero, a program dedicated to reducing the high rate of veteran homelessness and suicide to zero. Currently, an average of 20 veterans commit suicide every day. In 2019, Commander Zurhellen walked 2,860 miles across the country to raise money and bring awareness to the issue.

Individuals that make a donation will receive an email link to participate in the breakfast.  Interested attendees can sign up here.

Zurhellen said, “Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to remember and honor our veterans who have passed, especially those who gave their lives for our freedom. Thank you to Karen Smythe for recognizing our local veterans here in Dutchess County and for supporting our work at VetZero with a very special Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast.”

Smythe said, “Todd Poteet is going to make a special batch of red, white, and blue pancakes. Join me to learn how to make these delicious pancakes and support an important cause!”




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