[E]SSEX JUNCTION — Gov. Phil Scott announced a major donation to a veterans group Thursday, the first of half a dozen he will make to Vermont organizations from proceeds of his inaugural ball.
Scott gave a motorcycle to the Vermont Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, which is raffling off the bike to support programs to help veterans. Scott suggested the group hold back enough profit to purchase another motorcycle next year and make the fundraising event go on in perpetuity.
Scott said his inaugural ball — the largest in history, with 1,200 people — netted almost $200,000. The governor said the charitable organization he set up would also give money this fall to the Vermont National Guard’s military family programs; organizations that support returning veterans and their families; and a project to honor those who sacrificed their lives in service to this country.
At an event at the Champlain Valley Fair, surrounded by members of the group, Scott noted his father had been disabled by his service in World War II and died when Scott was 11.
“I’m pleased that we are able to support a range of causes, aiming to identify a diverse group of organizations that support a host of needs for our veterans, active military and their families,” Scott said. “We know we can never repay them for their service, but hope by making contributions to provide important services we can make a difference in their lives and for their families.”
The governor said helping veterans groups is “a cause close to my heart” because of his father.
“I’ve always been in awe of those who put themselves in harm’s way, sacrificing their lives to protect others,” Scott said at the fair. “When most of us see a threat, we run from it. The members of our military, law enforcement, firefighters and first responders and others like them run toward it.”
Kurt Merriman, Vermont state representative for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, thanked Scott for his generosity to the organization, whose mission, he said, is “Vets helping vets.”
“There’s nothing more dear to our hearts as members of the CVMA than to help those veterans and their families who are in need,” Merriman said.
Scott’s inaugural gala was held in a helicopter hangar at the Vermont Air Guard complex in South Burlington.
