Rockledge Mansion Hosts Fundraiser to Benefit Veterans

Tomorrow, in Occoquan will host an open house and a subsequent fundraiser to benefit the Global Training Foundation.

The Global Training Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit that "provides online skills training to individuals who are unemployed, transitioning or disabled veterans, disadvantaged individuals" and others in need of training, according to their website.

Rockledge owner Lance Houghton was recently added to the board of directors for the Global Training Foundation. When another event fell through for the foundation, Houghton made a last-minute suggestion to hold the fundraiser at Rockledge. The event will feature a cash bar and live music.

Valerie J. Whitcomb, Executive Director of the Global Training Foundation, said veterans often found it difficult to transition into regular work.

"Last year we had a group of veterans in the program that we received from Wounded Warrior Project, and we had some tremendous successes and some absolute heartbreaks," Whitcomb said. "This year, the nonprofit fell dormant because of time and money constraints but we have a list of people who are interested in participating in the program." 

Because of the difficulty of the transition, it typically takes one year and $300 to get one person through the program.

"However, if we raise $300, we will place about ten warriors into the program expecting only one to really get out and make a transition into a new career or start a business," Whitcomb said. "A good number of warriors who end up in our program are very difficult cases. The fact of the matter is that if a wounded vet has skills and a great resume, American companies and non-profits will go out of their way to hire these individuals."

But if these veterans live in a place with a poor economy and few job prospects, they can benefit from the work of the foundation. 

"I would be happy to raise $300 just to get a volunteer on board to help some folks," Whitcomb said.

As an incentive to donate, the foundation will provide 30 days of free and unlimited learning at the skills center and the learning portal to any donor.

"Donations can be made on the website or checks can be made out to Global Training Foundation," she said. "We will continue this through the month of May for any online donations after the fundraiser.  The skills center has over 300 courses and the learning portal has a resume building course and other courses that are used as training for individuals who cannot work outside the home."

Houghton expects several hundred people throughout the course of the day.

"There is no formal dress code, but if asked, I always suggest sensible shoes for the ladies, as Rockledge has many steps and cracks and 250-year-old wooden floors," Houghton said.

Drink tickets are $5 each, or five tickets for $20. All net proceeds from drink sales will go to the Global Training Foundation.

There will be no pause between the events. Houghton will stop offering tours after 6 p.m., the band will play from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and the bar will close by 11:30 p.m.