Tag Archives: military charity

Greek Fest Fort Myers Benefits Operation Open Arms

Coming in February 2012

The 37th Annual Greek Fest in Fort Myers – February 24, 25, and 26 – has chosen Operation Open Arms and the Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida to benefit from this year’s event.

This must-do family event features:

Authentic Greek Food
• Carnival Rides & Games
• Dance Exhibitions
• Live Music by Demetrios & The Islanders
• Merchandise Vendors
• Church Tours
• Car or $25,000 Raffle
• Cash Raffle

February 24, 25 & 26, 2012. Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm (NOTE: Sunday’s new hours!)

Admission: Adults $5 for the entire weekend. Children under 12 years old are free.

Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
8210 Cypress Lake Drive • Fort Myers, Florida 33919

Click here to visit the Official Greek Fest web site.

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.