Sweet Success for Local Veterans Charity

by Michele Corcoran Gaskell

The Michael A. Corcoran Cancer Research and Scholarship Fund , “Candy for a Cause” recently spent the Fathers Day weekend at the 31st Quechee Balloon Festival. This was the second year that the organization has had a booth to spread the word about the charity and raise money. This year the organization held a raffle with six prizes available. The grand prize was a 2004 World Series signed David Ortiz jersey, which was won by Bob Kimball of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Adam J. Corcoran and his sister Michele Corcoran Gaskell spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday at their booth in Quechee sharing stories of their father. Their father, Michael A Corcoran, a Vietnam Veteran who upon returning from his 3^rd tour of duty gravely wounded joined the Disabled American Veterans organization and became a National Service Officer at the Veterans Administration hospital in White River Junction, Vermont. One moving story they heard was from a wife of a man that had served in Vietnam. He was “lost” and had no where to go. Upon hearing that Adam and Michele's dad had started the Vet Center in White River Junction she thanked them for what their father, Michael, had done. Her husband had found the Vet Center in 1986 and has spent nearly every day there. Talking to others about his experiences in country and at home. The woman was very grateful for Michael saving him and giving him a place to go. This is just one story that was shared with Adam and Michele over the weekend which moved them to tears. Hearing from people about how their father affected the lives of others in such a powerful and meaningful way was extremely special.

The weekend was special in another way. Michael A. Corcoran had written a book in the 1980's, “Rick Drew Freedom Fighter”. The fictional novel was based on his real life experiences during his three tours of duty in Vietnam. Michael attempted to have the book published but at the time no one wanted to publish books about Vietnam. Michael passed away in 1994 and the book lay on his wifes shelf until this past spring. Adam his son and the CEO and Founder of the charity wanted to make his fathers dream of having the book published come true. He took the book to the editor and publisher of the Green Living Journal, Stephen Morris. Adam told him about his organization and his fathers dream and Stephen agreed to have the book edited and published. The book didn't have a cover yet, but Adam had a sketch. He brought the sketch to his friend Blair Shedd. Blair Shedd is a freelance illustrator and the founder of oneGemini Studios and asked him if he could work up the cover. Blair agreed. Blair Shedd is currently the illustrator for the Dr. Who comic book. “Rick Drew Freedom Fighter” was finished and available for sale at the Quechee Balloon Festival. The organization was allowed to hang banners advertising the book release at both entrances of the balloon festival. The banner worked and did bring people to the booth to purchase the book. Several copies of the book were sold over the weekend. If you are interested in a copy of “Rick Drew Freedom Fighter” you can contact Adam at adamjcorcoran@gmail.com or 802.280.5378 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              802.280.5378      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

This year the organization was sponsored by Cool Beans Gourmet Coffee of White River Junction, Vermont. Supporters of the organization could have a cup of coffee or sample packet of various varieties of coffee with a donation. Through the donations, sale of the raffle tickets and sale of the book the organization raised over five hundred dollars which will go to the scholarship fund and cancer research donation. The organization thanks everyone that came out to our booth and supported us through their donations.

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Up Coming Event April 25th

The Michael A Corcoran Cancer Research and Scholarship Fund ,” Candy for a Cause” will be holding a Silent Auction on Sunday April 25^th. The event is being held at The American Legion in Woodsville, NH. The event will be upstairs and will be held from 1-4pm. Up for auction will be Lia Sophia Jewelry, Pampered Chef items, Avon, gift certificates and baseball collectibles.

Lia Sophia and Pampered Chef Consultants will also be on hand selling items that make great Mothers Day, Graduation, Birthday and Fathers Day gifts. A percentage of the profits will be donated to Candy for a Cause.

Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

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Candy for a Cause is off to a GREAT start. We started placing our candy vending machines in businesses and organizations in the Upper Valley Region of Vermont and New Hampshire on March 20th of 2009. Since that date we have placed 97 with a total of 230 machines to be placed. A few of the businesses in the Upper Valley that are very proud to help the cause and have machines placed in their establishments are:  EBA's of Hanover,NH;  Gusanoz Mexican Restaurants of Lebanon and Hanover, NH; Wings Markets of Thetford and Fairlee, VT; Keene Medical; and The VFW and American Legion in White River Junction,VT.
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On Tuesday April  21st we attended the Ben and Jerry's free cone day and were permitted to set up a table to distribute information about the organization. The word is spreading and we are very excited.

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On May 8th and 9th, Candy for a Cause had a presence at the 6th Annual Marathon Game Fundraiser for the Hartford Vermont Baseball and Softball Association  at Ratcliffe Park and Hartford High School. We brought two candy machines and handed out over 300 flyers. We are working hard to get the word out about the organization and The Cause!
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Candy for a Cause is headed to the Quechee Balloon Festival in Quechee, Vermont. We handed in an application to have a 10X10 spot as a Non Profit Group. The festival is the weekend of June 19th, 20th and 21st. This is a major opportunity for us to spread the word about our organization. 10's of thousands of visitors come to see the balloons! We hope to see you there!