Arizona State Veteran Home-Phoenix Fundraising To Buy New Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

PHOENIX - Arizona State Veteran Home-Phoenix (ASVH-Phoenix) is seeking community support to raise $150,000 for two new wheelchair-accessible vehicles for its residents, the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services announced. The two vehicles will replace the home’s current vehicles.

“It will allow the residents to have a more dependable and reliable means of transportation as our two current vehicles have aged past their useful life expectancy,” ASVH-Phoenix Administrator Jeffery Cook said. “We’re excited for the residents’ and families’ satisfaction with the services we can offer our Veterans.”

ASVH-Phoenix is looking to purchase a new passenger bus, similar to an airport shuttle van, which is capable of accommodating up to 5 Veterans in wheelchairs and an additional 6 Veterans to safely transport residents to community events. The home would also like to purchase a smaller van that can accommodate up to two wheelchairs that will be utilized to transport residents to medical appointments.

“We are excited about getting these new vehicles so we can continue to go on outings and ensure that our Veterans are safe and enjoy the experience,” said ASVH-Phoenix Recreational Therapist Brittany Tashner.

“Our Veterans have done so much for us, and this is a small way for our community to show them our appreciation,” she added.

When the organizers at Miss Pinup AZ heard about the home’s vehicle needs, they decided they needed to help. So, to put the fun in fundraising, they brought the 2023 Miss Paradise Tiki Pageant to the home located behind the VA’s Carl T. Hayden Medical Center on 7th Street and Indian School in Phoenix.

Pageants, pinups and plenty of tikis were all at the home last month to help raise money for the new wheelchair-accessible vehicles for the home’s residents.

ASVH-Phoenix was awash with bright colors, pineapple decorations and plenty of leis as 11 women competed for the crown, with Miss Sassy Marie taking home the win. The Veterans and guests were also able to enjoy live music, games, food and plenty of dancing.

“Everyone had an attitude of gratitude,” said Kathy Madole-Esposito, pageant organizer with Miss Pinup AZ. “Everyone was happy, singing to the 50s band and smiling—they truly had a wonderful time and we are truly thankful.”

The Miss Pinup AZ members wanted to show the Veterans a fun-filled time as a way of saying thank you for everything the Veterans do for our country.

The event raised over $3,400 for the home’s bus fund.

Community members can donate to the ASVH-Phoenix vehicle fund by clicking here: https://dvspay.az.gov/content/charitable-donations and selecting either ASVH Phoenix – Van or ASVH Phoenix – Bus.