Tag Archives: john bunch

Congratulations to the Mr. and Mrs. Crosby – Our 92nd Wedding

Tara Woodring and Jeremy Crosby, both active duty service members, tied the knot at a sunset wedding on Pine Island at renowned Tarpon Lodge.

Its 92nd wedding, Operation Open Arms contributors gave the Crosbys a full-service wedding. “They did everything from the cake to the invitations, the lodging, the venue, everything,” says Woodring. “It was amazing.”

View the WINK News Story on the Crosby wedding here.

John Bunch, founder of Operation Open Arms, says the popularity of their free weddings has grown quickly since the first ceremony in 2005 and the ability to continue offering free weddings is in jeapordy.

According to Bunch, a ceremony and honeymoon can cost as much as $20,000, and while many local businesses donate their services, the organization’s coffers are drying up, as are the donors.

Without more help, he says, the group will soon have to decide whether to create a separate charity for weddings or stop offering the aid all together.

Click here to donate and assist Operation Open Arms‘ services to active duty service members. Click here to contribute your local services.