By Eric Stock
PEORIA – A group that provides help to local families of fallen soldiers is raising money to expand its outreach in Central Illinois.
Peoria-based Central Illinois Gold Star Families will get $5 from each test drive at any Extreme Motors location in Bloomington through Memorial Day.
“We have no paid staff,” founder Patti Smith told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin. “I have a full-time job and we have a very supportive board,” All of their money raised goes to where we say it is going to go.”
The group collects money for several events throughout the year, including a Christmas potluck, a Peoria Chiefs game in which the families will be honored and a visit from ‘American Sniper’ co-star Kevin Lacz.
He’s a Navy Seal who started as a consultant for the movie, but at star Bradley Cooper’s request, played himself in the movie. Lacz is scheduled to appear Oct. 2 at Five Points Washington.
Smith’s two Marine sons served in Iraq. She said she was inspired to help friends whose loved ones never came home.
“When they fought together in Iraq, it changed me forever,” Smith said. “As times has gone on, I have realized I have a lot of friends whose loved ones didn’t come home.”
Extreme Nissan sales manager Wes Kissel told Laughlin, those who take a test drive will be encouraged to match the $5 gift.
“Per dealership; Nissan, Hyundai and Kia, we do about $700 per month,” Kissel said. “Our goal is to get to $1,000 by Memorial Day, so we can donate $5,000.”
PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen’s interview with Smith and Kissel on WJBC.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
