Fundraiser to help bring troops home

Marlborough (WTNH) - There is a special push to bring troops home for the holidays. A fundraiser has been set up and organizers are Counting on 8 to get the word out.

Governor Jodi Rell calls the fundraising campaign "Operation Home for the Holidays." Connecticut National Guard troops mobilizing in Indiana and Wisconsin en route to Afghanistan need money to get home for the Christmas season.

One local business, specializing in home decorating, is now focusing on getting people home.

Ideas are flowing around an intimate table in a large warehouse in Marlbourgh.

At Lisa Davenport's Home Gallery, Lisa, her business partner Ed Richman, and friend Suzi Craig want as many people in this large warehouse as there are Persian Rugs.

So as Suzi keeps calling Hartford in hopes that Governor Jodi Rell will make an appearance, Lisa and Ed are beaming about the idea to hold a fundraiser here November 14th - and EVERYONE is invited. And they do mean, EVERYONE.

"I got a chuckle on the other end, and they said, "She's kind of busy!" said Suzi when calling the Governor's office and trying to speak to her.

The Governor is challenging Connecticut to raise $200,000 to bring home 700 troops home for the holiday season before being sent overseas.

Ed knows what's it's like to have an empty chair at a dinner table; his son is a Marine. It's a big reason for the open-invite event.

"Just a great feeling knowing that if we bring these guys home for a short time with their families, on Christmas; I don't need more than that," said Ed.

So admire the rugs and the lamps and furniture and the chickens while you eat free lunch and enjoy free entertainment.

Maybe the Governor will be here and this trio is hoping you will be too.

"I had a Thanksgiving and a Christmas without someone very close to me. So the thought of bringing these guys and girls home for one last visit, chokes me up," said Lisa.

The event will be held November 14th at 9 Austin Street in Marlborough from 1-5 p.m. Admission is free and there is a free lunch, entertainment and kids activities will also be provided.

In addition, the fundraiser will be hosted by Ann Nyberg.

Send donations for "Operation Home for the Holidays" to the following address:

Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc.
360 Broad Street, Box 53
Hartford, Conn. 06105-3706