News

Actions

Local MMA community hosts party for vets

Posted at 9:24 PM, Mar 09, 2015
and last updated 2015-03-09 21:26:58-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A major pizza party took place in Grand Rapids this weekend. However, it wasn't any ordinary meal. It was a chance to thank local veterans for their service.

That party took place on Saturday afternoon at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.

Local MMA announcer Johnny O helped organize the event and raise enough donations to feed more than 500 servicemen and women.

The party took months of planning, and those who received a meal said it's a gesture they'll never forget.

"Its just super. It opens the heart and brings tears to the eyes that someone would care as much as they do for veterans," said Vietnam veteran Robert Troost.

The group also sold t-shirts to help raise funds for the party.

Johnny O also said it was important to engage the vets in conversation.

"We are going to go through and shake hands with everyone of these veterans and thank them for the service, that is what is all about," said Johnny O.

All of that pizza was donated by Back Alley Pizza Joint in Douglas.

Organizers also said they'd like to plan a MMA event at the vets home to help entertain our servicemen and women.