The Ardie R. Copas State Veterans Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie is raising money to provide WiFi access for residents and fund a trip to the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum in Sebring.
The fundraiser, organized with support from Ardies' Mission, includes a raffle for a Lincoln Town Car. Organizers said proceeds will help veteran residents stay connected with loved ones and experience a museum visit dedicated to honoring military service.
Shyrell Copas, daughter of Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Ardie R. Copas, said her mother Betsy is the wife of Ardie Copas. Copas shared that when her father would go out into battle, he would grab his Betsy, his gun, and go to war.
The Ardie R. Copas State Veterans Nursing Home is a facility in the Tradition area of Port St. Lucie. Sherika Ayers, life enrichment program manager at the nursing home, said the facility has 120 beds and currently has a waiting list. The home is a five-star facility and nearly every room is occupied.
Veteran resident Cal Heathman shared artwork he created in recognition of America's 250th anniversary. Heathman said the research and the actual paintings took him about 10 months to do, starting last December thinking about what individual segments represented America.
The event highlighted the continued need for community support for veterans facilities and programs across the Treasure Coast, especially efforts focused on connection, recreation and quality of life for aging veterans. More information about the fundraiser and Ardies' Mission is available at ardiesmission.org.