BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — A Boca Raton man who served in Korean War continues to give to the United States, helping area Iraq and Afghanistan vets fund their businesses. Jerry Kramer is founder of “Veterans' Pathway To Business Success.” The group is holding a fundraiser early next month.
Here are the details:
Veterans' Pathway to Business Success is embarking on its first fundraiser as they set sail on their mission to provide grants to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who are seeking funding for their own businesses. The all-volunteer, non-profit organization bestows unique monetary grants that have no fees, no interest and no payback to Florida veterans who display the entrepreneurial spirit necessary to run a business and who have been fully vetted by South Palm Beach County SCORE. The organization was founded last year by Boca Raton resident, Jerry Kramer, a decorated Korean War veteran. The dinner cruise on the popular Lady Atlantic yacht is set for Friday, November 9, 2012 at 6 PM and includes a cocktail reception, buffet dinner, an open bar, and dancing under- the-stars. Tickets are $500 per person and are fully-tax deductible. The entire event has been completely underwritten and all proceeds will benefit the fund.
The evening honors Major General Joseph J. Taluto, US Army Retired. MG Taluto, himself an Iraq Veteran, is also Vice President of Veterans’ Pathway and works in many ways to help veterans. “Many men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan,” he says, “face very difficult economic challenges. And getting business loans is not easy, as most financial institutions require two years experience before they will consider an applicant.
“What Jerry Kramer created with this organization is a way to give our servicemen and women an opportunity to bring their incredible work ethic to the private sector, to provide employment opportunities for other veterans and to give a boost to Florida’s economy.”
Veterans' Pathway recently awarded their first grant to Fred Pollino, who completed South Palm Beach County SCORE Association’s extensive counseling and mentoring program, and was awarded $40,000 to finance the expansion of his Better Escalator Company, based in Boynton Beach.
“Jerry Kramer donated the first $250,000 to begin this organization,” explained Taluto. “Our goal is to inform and rally the community to help us help as many veterans as possible. Although we can never fully repay our veterans for their dedication and service, we hope that everyone who learns about Veterans’ Pathway will honor these men and women by making a donation to our organization.”
For tickets to the event or to make a donation of any size, please contact Veterans’ Pathway VP of Marketing, Gerry Goldberg, at 561-235-4584.
For more information or for an application please visit http://www.veteranspathway.org
