Keller Logistics Group Raises Over $40,000 For Local Veterans

On Friday, November 11th, Keller Logistics Group hosted the 2nd Annual Veterans Appreciation Day Dinner. Dinner was served to over 250 Veterans and their family members. This annual dinner serves as the primary fundraiser for Keller’s philanthropic organization: Operation K.A.V.I.C. – Keller Assist Veterans In Crisis. The purpose of the Operation K.A.V.I.C. fund is to fill the gaps in their VA benefits to prevent our local veterans from financial crises. Keller requests sponsorships for the dinner from business partners and local businesses in Defiance County. Every dollar raised stays in Defiance County and helps the local veterans.

Bryan Keller, CEO of Keller Logistics Group, was proud to announce at the end of the dinner that we had successfully raised $39,140! After presenting the check to Tanya, Erin (Veterans Affairs Office) & Katye (Ravens Care) Tanya Brunner stated,

“Mr. Keller and his crew have done an amazing job. This is unique to the state of Ohio to have a charitable fund like this, not only for Veterans but for Active Duty, Reservist & National Guard. We have helped so many families…. I wish they [donors] could see the relief that comes on that persons’ face when they know that they are not alone. That they know their service counted for something in such a tangible way…This has been a Godsend for our office.”

The funds raised for Operation K.A.V.I.C. have helped with unexpected expenses such as sewer repair, new furnace or car repair for our local veterans, reservists, national guardsmen and surviving spouses. This fund has also helped with recurring expenses such as rent, food, medical or dental bills.

We at Keller are all very proud with the success of the 2016 Operation K.A.V.I.C. fundraiser. Not only did we raise more money than last year, but we also increased our attendance at the dinner as well. We even had a few last-minute donations arrive after the dinner – so as of today, the 2016 fundraising amount is $40,859!

Of course, not all the praise belongs to us at Keller Logistics Group. We had quite a few partners coordinating this event. UAW 211 Veterans group donated the hall rental and purchased the sandwich buns, Jacob’s Meats donated hot chicken and pork sandwiches, Kirchers Flowers donated the centerpieces, The Hubbard Company and Crescent News donated advertising to help get the word out and Boy Scout Troop 76 sponsored by Saint Mary’s Catholic Church provided the delicious dessert once again!

I’d like to also be sure to thank Colonel Sponsors of the event: Stoops Freightliner of Lima, AMRI, First Federal Bank, & Robinson Investments.

Additionally, our Captain Sponsors were: Stykemain Trucks, Double A Trailer, Transwestern, Defiance Rotary Foundation, Schultz Huber & Associates,  Strausbaugh Consulting LLC, Diamler Truck Financial, The Hubbard Company, Keith Hubbard Family Fund, ServiceMaster by McCann, Just Be Original – JBO’s Fine Arts Academy and BMO Transportation Finance. Without their generous donations to Operation K.A.V.I.C. we would not be able to provide our local veterans with the assistance that they need.

The 3rd Annual Veterans Appreciation Day Luncheon is scheduled for Saturday, November 4th. Sign up for our blog, follow us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up-to-date with Operation K.A.V.I.C. and the difference it is making in our local community.

For a complete list of sponsors and donors visit our Operation KAVIC webpage and check out the Operation KAVIC Story blog post.

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