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Cafe L'Europe hosts Operation Kindness for benefit evening

The organization's volunteers gathered for an evening of dining and recognition


  • By Katie Johns
  • | 9:13 p.m. July 5, 2016
  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • Share

Morgan Watt enlisted in the Air Force when he was 19-years-old. Since then, one theme has surrounded his life - his service dog, Foley, saved his life.

“It’s an incredible outreach to the veteran community that is really needed,”  Veteran Morgan Watt said. 

Watt shared this and other words during a benefit night for Operation Kindness Florida, Inc. at Cafe L’Europe on July 5. Watt is just one of many veterans that Operation Kindness Florida supports through its fundraising. The charitable organization holds the mission to help injured or impaired veterans return to civilian life after war.

Operation Kindness Florida President Joanne Forch said she thanks Betsie Coolidge, owner of Cafe L’Europe, and attending guests for their support.  

“We thank our supporters of Operation Kindness Florida for supporting us and our Florida veterans,” she said.

Watt said it’s great that the organization serves veterans in the area. 

Operation Kindness Florida received 20 percent of the evening’s proceeds.

Air Force Veteran Morgan Watt and his wife Amber
Air Force Veteran Morgan Watt and his wife Amber
Amber Watt with husband and veteran Morgan and President of Operation Kindness Florida Joanne Forch and her husband John.
Amber Watt with husband and veteran Morgan and President of Operation Kindness Florida Joanne Forch and her husband John.
Laurie Wolfe, Judy Kozlawski, Rita Thibault and Lorraine Falivene
Laurie Wolfe, Judy Kozlawski, Rita Thibault and Lorraine Falivene
Operation Kindness supporters Debbie Dean and  Amy Goldman
Operation Kindness supporters Debbie Dean and Amy Goldman
Amber  Watt, Rich and Sunny McGrath and Morgan Watt
Amber Watt, Rich and Sunny McGrath and Morgan Watt
Scott and Kathy Hase
Scott and Kathy Hase
Anneliese Kaplinski, Sheila Nemes and Monita Steenbakkers
Anneliese Kaplinski, Sheila Nemes and Monita Steenbakkers
Steve and Denise Madva, Shannon Gault and Lyn and Jim Larson
Steve and Denise Madva, Shannon Gault and Lyn and Jim Larson
David and Camille Weiser
David and Camille Weiser
Patriotic decorations adorned each table
Patriotic decorations adorned each table
Morgan Watt speaks with the crowd about his time in the Air Force
Morgan Watt speaks with the crowd about his time in the Air Force
Morgan Watt's service dog, Foley
Morgan Watt's service dog, Foley

 

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