Denis V. Cooper Foundation serves drinks and dishes for veterans

Red, White & Brew was held June 9 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.

  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 1:09 p.m. June 10, 2018
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Brews, barbecue and bestowing wishes to veterans brought guests together June 9 for the fourth annual Red, White & Brew at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. 

The Denis V. Cooper Foundation hosts Red, White & Brew each year as a way to raise funds for its main cause: "Wishing for Heroes." The organization was founded in 2011, after founder Maverick Johnson lost his father, Sgt. Denis V. Cooper, to lung cancer. Cooper did not get to fulfill his wish of taking his children fishing one last time. 

Since the first wish was granted June 13, 2015, there have been seven wishes granted to local veterans. 

At Red, White & Brew, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour of beer, cupcakes and barbecue from local restaurants. There were also silent auction items available for bidding and musical entertainment from James Hope and Billy Lyon. After social hour, guest speakers took the stage to share stories of their time in service. 

Founding Board Members Maverick Johnson, Derek Williams, Gary Kortzendorf and Bob Morrison
Founding Board Members Maverick Johnson, Derek Williams, Gary Kortzendorf and Bob Morrison
John Flaherty, Heather Drake and Guest Speaker Clarence Addy
John Flaherty, Heather Drake and Guest Speaker Clarence Addy
Michele Bowermaster and Guest Speaker Bob Bowermaster
Michele Bowermaster and Guest Speaker Bob Bowermaster
James Hope and Billy Lyon played music throughout cocktail hour.
James Hope and Billy Lyon played music throughout cocktail hour.
therapy dog Oz from the Paws And Warriors program mingled with guests.
therapy dog Oz from the Paws And Warriors program mingled with guests.
Jake Kelly from Nancy's Bar-B-Q serves a guest.
Jake Kelly from Nancy's Bar-B-Q serves a guest.
Bruce Meade and Deanna Davis
Bruce Meade and Deanna Davis
Cupcakes were decorated with the red, white and blue theme.
Cupcakes were decorated with the red, white and blue theme.
Nicole Peterson and Whit Coyne
Nicole Peterson and Whit Coyne
Many silent auction items were available for bidding during the program.
Many silent auction items were available for bidding during the program.
Red, White & Brew was hosted at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
Red, White & Brew was hosted at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
A painting by Emi Kopke was up for bids during the live auction.
A painting by Emi Kopke was up for bids during the live auction.
Guests gathered in the ballroom to hear from many guest speakers.
Guests gathered in the ballroom to hear from many guest speakers.
Maverick Johnson tells the story of founding the Denis V. Cooper Foundation.
Maverick Johnson tells the story of founding the Denis V. Cooper Foundation.
Gold Coast Eagle Distributing donated $500 in honor of founding board member Gary Kortzendorf's father.
Gold Coast Eagle Distributing donated $500 in honor of founding board member Gary Kortzendorf's father.
Heidi Hayden talks about her late friend, Cpl. John Seelie, who received a wish last May.
Heidi Hayden talks about her late friend, Cpl. John Seelie, who received a wish last May.
Clarence Addy, one of the guest speakers, entertained audience with his jokes and war stories.
Clarence Addy, one of the guest speakers, entertained audience with his jokes and war stories.
Heather Drake takes a video of her father, Clarence Addy, giving his speech.
Heather Drake takes a video of her father, Clarence Addy, giving his speech.
Guests were able to take a plastic toy soldier home with them on their way out.
Guests were able to take a plastic toy soldier home with them on their way out.
Beverly and Mark Fencil
Beverly and Mark Fencil

 

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