Montel Williams to headline gala for Middletown charity that gives vets free service dogs
Middletown Press
By Press Staff
September 4, 2019
“His work and devotion to military and veteran community matches the mission of our foundation,” Alicki said of Williams, who is hosting a new season of “Military Makeover with Montel,” a reality show focused on rebuilding houses and lives of military and veterans families.
MIDDLETOWN — A charity gala to benefit the Middletown-based Forever In My Heart Foundation will be held Sept. 28 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino Grand Pequot Ballroom.
The event, which features Montel Williams as celebrity guest speaker, will run from 5 to 10 p.m.
“Forever In My Heart Foundation was founded to make an impact in the lives of homeless dogs in animal shelters and disabled U.S. veterans in our communities,” Alicki said.
Heidi Voight from NBC Connecticut will emcee the evening, and Los Angeles-based Dr. Barbara J. Gitlitz, who “is devoted to changing laws and protecting animals against cruelty and abuse,” are also expected to attend, according to foundation founder and president Mira Alicki, owner of Mira’s Jewelry Designs at 476 Main St.
The event will include live entertainment, food prepared by Foxwoods’ executive chef and dancing. Proceeds will go toward the foundation’s mission to save dogs in shelters and improve lives of Connecticut’s disabled veterans, according to Alicki.
read it here
Area veteran and Homestead Stables to be featured on Lifetime TV’s ‘Military Makeover with Montel’
Observer
BUSINESS
MAY 5, 2019
Heritage Ministries Vice-President of Marketing and Development, Lisa Haglund, has announced that Homestead Stables by Heritage, in conjunction with N.E.I.G.H. and the Constance Project, will serve as a filming location for “Military Makeover with Montel,” hosted by Montel Williams this month.
The show, which airs on Lifetime TV, will feature the story of Ashville, NY resident Cody Willett, who currently works as a computer specialist with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, and his wife Jessica. A weapons supply technician for special operations teams in the United States Air Force, Willett was four months into his second deployment when his base was attacked. He was severely injured in a rocket propelled grenade attack, leaving him with a fractured lower spine, dislocated shoulder and a damaged ankle. Evacuated for medical treatment in Germany, Cody was eventually able to return home to New York, where he met his wife.
Upon his return, Willett began working with Cindy Reidy of the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program. The program’s goal is to link veterans together for socialization and friendship and utilizes peer support from those who can relate to the struggles of transitioning into civilian life.
It was at this point that Homestead Stables and equine assisted therapy specialist, Dawn Samuelson, founder of The Constance Project, entered the picture. Named after Dawn’s late sister, Constance Marie Davenport, a U.S. Air Force veteran that took her own life at the age of 25. The program is designed to aid in the prevention of suicide and work with veterans that experience PTSD, bereavement, anxiety, depression and anger issues. The Constance Project not only works with veterans, but active military and their families as well.
read more here
