Based in Valrico, Fla., Cardinal raised $14,000 by hosting its third annual sporting clays event on Feb. 12 at Fishhawk Sporting Clays in Lithia, Fla. SEMCO matched that total with a $14,000 check of its own for the program. Proceeds will directly help benefit the Honor Flight of West Central Florida.

 

The non-profit was created solely to honor American military veterans — most who are too frail or unable to travel alone — by transporting them to the nation’s capital for a day they’ll never forget. Priority is given to senior veterans, particularly World War II survivors that have yet to see the World War II Memorial built in 2004. And the time is now. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates more than 600 WWII veterans die each day.    

 

“Cardinal Roofing is thrilled with the amount of money raised for such an uplifting charity.  Giving the gift of honor to WWII veterans for just one day means the world to us,” said Cardinal Roofing President Bridget Jenkins Wilson. Jenkins Wilson is a third generation roofer who has volunteered as an Honor Flight chaperone on multiple occasions. 

 

It was the second straight year the two entities teamed up to provide airfare and personal chaperones for veterans eager to visit the nation’s war memorials in Washington D.C. through Honor Flight. Nearly $10,000 was raised last year,

 

With SEMCO’s matching donation, she said the organization has nearly funded an entire flight. 

 

“We will forever be grateful to SEMCO and their generosity in our mission to get all of the remaining WWII veterans to D.C. to see their monument,” Jenkins Wilson said. Small businesses really can make a difference.”