Annual Joey “Joe Veg” Luchetti Memorial Dinner for Homeless Veterans is a Huge Success

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Band of Brothers and Newton American Legion Post 86 Veterans Foundation Raises $30,000 for Tunnel to Towers Foundation at Inaugural Joey “Joe Veg” Luchetti Memorial Dinner

Newton, NJ – January 9, 2025 – The Newton American Legion Post 86 Veterans Foundation, Inc. is proud to announce the incredible success of the first annual Joey “Joe Veg” Luchetti Memorial Dinner for Homeless Veterans, held on September 28, 2024, at The Barn At Hillside Park in Newton, NJ. The event raised $30,000 in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Northern New Jersey Homeless Veterans Program.

The event was a heartfelt tribute to Joey “Joe Veg” Luchetti, who dedicated much of his life to supporting homeless veterans. His passion for improving the lives of those who served was felt by all who attended, and his legacy continues through this annual memorial dinner.

This year’s event was a collaboration between the Band of Brothers, Newton American Legion Post 86 Veterans Foundation, the Sons of American Legion Post 86 (SAL) with all proceeds benefiting Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Through generous donations from community members, businesses, and veterans, the Memorial Dinner successfully raised $30,000 to directly support Northern NJ homeless veterans.

“The turnout and generosity were overwhelming,” said Lawrence W. Sampey, President of the Newton American Legion Post 86 Veterans Foundation. “Joey’s vision for helping our homeless veterans lives on through this event. We are proud to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and their critical work.

This is just the beginning, and we look forward to growing this event in future years to continue honoring Joey’s legacy.”

The proceeds raised will directly benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, whose mission is to honor the sacrifices of first responders and military personnel by providing mortgage-free homes to families who have lost a loved one, as well as funding essential programs for homeless veterans. The Northern NJ Homeless Veterans Program is a key initiative, providing housing assistance, resources, and support to local veterans in need.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from the Sussex County community,” said Nancy Luchetti-Mettler, the event organizer and sister of the late Joey Luchetti. “This event is a perfect reflection of Joe’s heart for helping those in need, especially our veterans. We hope this annual dinner will continue to bring us together to support our heroes who may need a hand up, not just a handout.”

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 6pm the Band of Brothers, Newton American Legion Post 86 Veterans Foundation, and the Sons of American Legion Post 86 (SAL) will present a check to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at the Newton American Legon Post 86 located at 20 Yates Avenue in Newton, NJ 07860.

This is the second event in 2024 that the Joey “Joe Veg” Luchetti fundraising raised funds for Tunnel to Towers Foundation. A check presentation took place back in August of 2024 and T2T was handed a check for $4,200, funds that was raised on Joey “Joe Veg” Luchetti’s Memorial Ride and Celebration of Life

event.

The Band of Brothers extends its sincere thanks to all donors, volunteers, and attendees for making the inaugural Joey “Joe Veg” Luchetti Memorial Dinner a resounding success. Together, we continue to support the brave men and women who have served our country.

About Newton American Legion Post 86 Veterans Foundation, Inc.

The Newton American Legion Post 86 Veterans Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting past and current American servicemen and women in need. The Foundation provides assistance to veterans and their families, raises awareness about veteran-related issues, and organizes events to honor the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes.

For those who were unable to attend the event but still wish to contribute to this meaningful cause, donations are still being accepted. Checks can be made payable to Newton American Legion Post 86 Foundation, Inc., with "Joey ‘Joe Veg’ Luchetti Memorial Dinner" noted in the memo line. Mail checks to Newton American Legion Post 86, 20 Yates Avenue, Newton, NJ 07860.

For more information or to make a donation, please contact Nancy Luchetti at 973-271-6649, or via email at luchetti@embarqmail.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Vera Tovino

Phone: 575.751.6037

Email: veratovino@gmail.com