Block party raised more than $10,000 for veterans

| August 14, 2013

COSHOCTON – A weekend of motorcycles, music, food and fun raised more than $10,000 to help local veterans.

The Coshocton Moose 935 Block Party Weekend was held Aug. 3-4 and proceeds from the event will help the DAV purchase a new van to transport local veterans to and from VA medical appointments.

“I thought it all went great,” said Bruce Uher, who is an officer at the Moose and helped organize the event. “We had great weather and a lot of people showed up and enjoyed themselves for a good cause.”

On Aug. 12, Uher and other Moose officers and Block Party volunteers presented Dave Dilly, commander of the local Disabled American Veteran chapter, with a check for $10,300.

“It’s unbelievable that they were able to help veterans out in this way,” Dilly said. “This shows that the people of Coshocton care. I can only imagine the work that it took to pull this event off. Their efforts will help a lot of veterans in Coshocton County.”

Jim Barstow, who is the Coshocton County Veterans Service Officer, also was appreciative of the Moose’s efforts.

“Since this is just for Coshocton County Veterans, I think it’s appropriate that a Coshocton organization stepped forward to help,” he said.

Barstow also made sure to thank the Coshocton County Coordinated Transportation Agency, which helps organize the pickup of veterans for their VA medical appointments.

“They do a tremendous job,” Barstow said. “Not having this van would be a huge burden for them when it comes to finding transportation for our veterans.”

The van currently being used to transport local veterans was purchased brand new in 2005 and racked up 170,000 plus miles after provided more than 2,000 rides for veterans.

The old van cost the DAV around $20,000 and after they purchased it, the VA took ownership and provided everything for it but a driver. Dilly believes the total cost of a van in 2013 will be closer to $28,000.

“I’m hoping this is enough,” Dilly said. “We should be able to get a grant to cover the rest. The closer you get to the total cost, the easier it is to get the grant and we now have around $22,000.”

If all goes as planned, the new van will arrive in February 2014 and the old one will be returned to the local DAV chapter to do what it wishes with.

Anyone wanting to make a donation can send them to, DAV Chapter 74, P.O. Box 116, Coshocton, OH 43812.

[email protected]

Tags: ,

Category: Clubs & Organizations

About the Author ()

I started my journalism career in 2002 with a daily newspaper chain. After various stops with them, I am happy to be back home! I graduated from Coshocton High School in 1998 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 2002 from Walsh University. I also earned several awards while working for daily papers, including being honored by Coshocton County’s veterans for the stories I wrote about them. I am honored and ready to once again shine a positive light on Coshocton County. I also am the proud mother of a little girl named Sophia!

Comments are closed.