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06/27/2017 12:00 AMEast Haven resident Amanda Schmidt, 14, organized and held a fundraiser at the Old Stone Church on Main Street on June 17, with the proceeds from the event going to Final Salute, Inc., an organization that aims to provide homeless women veterans with safe and suitable housing.
Schmidt is a member of The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in Milford, a non-profit youth group that teaches girls leadership, confidence, and citizenship. She had to pick an organization to donate to and thought Final Salute was “a really good choice.”
Schmidt had already raised about $3,700 in donations before the event took place, and even secured a band to play at the event, as well as the location to hold it.
After five months of planning, Schmidt said it was stressful, but was relieved she could make the event happen. She said it was intense, but she feels good about it.
Army Captain Makeda “Tiye” Young came from Virginia to represent Final Salute, and said it was a privilege and an honor to be in the presence of someone “making an impact in a big way.”
Young said that there are few people who do events like the one Schmidt did, and to see a 14 year-old doing it is incredible.
Between silent auctions and raffles to help raise funds, the event raised approximately $5,000. To contribute, call Sonja Schmidt at 203-687-2788.