The annual Christmas for Veterans is being held Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Sunset Bistro, 1220 W. Wooster St., Bowling Green. Each year, the holiday event for veterans is a little different, so Sunset Bistro owner Prudy Brott explained this year’s plan.
The Christmas for Veterans day is open to anyone. While the restaurant’s full menu will be available, the special for the day will be pot roast – which was the favorite meal of Brott’s dad, David Brott, when made by his wife, Raye.
The day is held each year in memory of Army combat veteran David Brott. Tuesday will mark 10 years since he lost his battle with Agent Orange.
“He was amazing and would think this is ‘pretty cool’ to do in his honor,” Prudy Brott said.
Also on Tuesday, Kelly Garza will be at Sunset Bistro to explain an idea that’s in the very beginning stages at the Zepf Center in Toledo.
The Zepf Center does many things, but this project is about helping veterans and military families by partnering with animal rescue organizations to bring therapy animals to Purple Star Schools in the area. It will recognize veteran/military/first responder organizations. Its name is PETS-SOC program, which will use pets to encourage, teach and support students, organizations and communities.
The primary objective of PETS-SOC is to provide comfort and companionship by sharing the love of animals with Purple Star Schools, veterans, military, first responders and their families, increasing emotional well-being, promoting healing, and improving the quality of life for heroes.
Regular visits from animals provide stimulation for conversation in numerous settings, elevate moods, give people a reason to attend services, and increase overall mental health and well-being.
Garza will be at the restaurant on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m., to answer questions.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the restaurant from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Also during the annual event, Sunset Bistro will be collecting items for the Wood County Dog Shelter and Toledo Animal Rescue, as some of these animals may be qualified to help through the rescue and training program.
Wood County Chief Dog Warden Jodi Harding, and a representative from Toledo Animal Rescue will be at the restaurant for dinner on Tuesday.
The Wood County Dog Shelter wish list includes peanut butter, canned pure pumpkin, soft dog treats, Nyla bones, leashes, collars and harnesses.
The wish list for Toledo Animal Rescue includes clay non-clumping litter, Hill’s Science Diet dog and cat food, canned kitten food, puppy pads, gift cards, 13 gallon trash bags, bleach, laundry detergent, postage stamps, and any type of dog, cat, kitten or puppy food.
All coats, gloves, hats and socks collected on Tuesday will go to the Zepf Center for distribution to veterans and military families in need.
Any cash donations will go to the Disabled American Veterans organization.
