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Sullivan & Worcester Supports Veterans, Hosts Operation Blue Pride Fundraising Reception

Sullivan & Worcester, LLP is proud to support Operation Blue Pride with a fundraising reception and silent auction that will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, from 7:00 pm - 10:00 p.m. in Boston. Operation Blue Pride (OPB) works with disabled veterans by combining scuba diving with marine conservation. The reception will introduce the Boston Chapter of OBP and many of the Boston combat veterans engaged in scuba training through the organization.

Sullivan & Worcester is inspired by OBP’s mission to help U.S. service members heal after serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. These veterans are now facing an even greater challenge reintegrating back into society after multiple deployments. Many combat veterans are returning to civilian life with physical injuries and are also suffering with the hidden wounds of war, such as post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries and depression. The statistics are sobering.  Currently, 23 service members commit suicide each day.

Chris Maddeford, Executive Director of Operation Blue Pride and an Afghanistan combat veteran himself, commented, “Scuba diving is a very effective self-healing and empowerment tool. The veterans dive in teams that function together, a work environment that is similar to the military. Scuba diving helps veterans escape the pain, both physical and mental, while they are under water. My life was completely transformed when I began diving, and I’ve seen it happen to so many veterans. Operation Blue Pride provides the veterans with a mission to help save our oceans.” Nancy Grodberg, a Partner at Sullivan & Worcester says, “I became involved with this organization because I know that the many opportunities that I have had in life are due to the services of our military. We owe our veterans a debt we can never repay. I am grateful for the opportunity to in small part repay this debt by working with our combat veterans through scuba diving.”

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Tickets to the event are $100 each, with a discounted price of $25 for veterans and active duty military. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit Operation Blue Pride. Special guests include Sue Chen, Founder of Operation Blue Pride, Coleman Nee, Secretary of Veterans' Services, Massachusetts Department of Veteran ServicesJoe Vellano of the New England PatriotsMeghan Duggan, Captain of the United States Women’s 2014 Silver Medal Hockey Team, andShanna Jackman, an award winning singer/songwriter. The reception will include light appetizers, open beer/wine bar and parking. There will be presentations featuring the veterans' scuba training and marine conservation efforts, highlighting the organization's recent documentary, "American Hero - Ocean Hero, and displaying information about services and resources available to veterans, in the Commonwealth, including information about canines for combat veterans programs, veteran networks and veterans’ opportunities. The event will be held at Sullivan & Worcester One Post Office Square, 21st Floor, Boston, MA 02109. Parking is available in the One Post Office Square Garage.

If you have questions about the event or are interested in donating items for the auction, please contact operationbluepride@sandw.com.

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About Operation Blue Pride

Operation Blue Pride is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Operation Blue Pride was founded in 2012 by ocean conservationists Jim Abernethy, Sue Chen, George Schellenger and Shawn Heinrichs.

About Sullivan & Worcester LLP

Sullivan & Worcester is a leading corporate law firm providing counsel to domestic and international clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging businesses. With more than 175 lawyers in Boston, New York and Washington, D.C., the firm offers services in a wide range of areas, including corporate finance, securities, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, tax, real estate, private equity and venture capital, bankruptcy, regulatory law, and employment and benefits. Sullivan & Worcester is also recognized for its representation of REITs and its deep experience in mutual fund law. For more information please visitwww.sandw.com.

 

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