Above / The classic 1970 Mercury Cougar and the story of a dedicated Veteran are now in place at The Naperville Salute, a community event planned from 4 to 10PM July 2 and July 3 at Rotary Hill. Find out how to own the car via an auction sale (soon to be featured on Bring a Trailer dot com). Funds raised by the highest bid will benefit services provided by Naperville Responds for Veterans. Note…When the car is featured “live” online to auction, it will be linked here.
When Naperville Responds for Veterans hosts The Naperville Salute, a new two-day event slated to run from 4PM to 10PM today, July 2, and Sat., July 3, at Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk, the community will have a chance to become familiar with the organization that helps respond to unmet home repair needs of local veterans.
With unspoken gratitude, The Salute also is dedicated toward recognizing all Veterans, active service men and women, first responders and their families who have served beyond the call of duty for freedom every day and with unequaled dedication throughout all the challenges created by the pandemic.
General admission tickets are $15 per ticket to access local bands with live music, food, fun and beverages at Rotary Hill from 4-10PM on July 2 and 3.
Kids 12 and under are free of charge with a paying adult. Veterans and active serving military also will gain free admission on a first come first serve basis. A limited number of tickets will be available at the gate each evening.
Sandwiched between the two evening events, a Family Fun event is set just for youngsters. Live entertainment with face painting, a reptile exhibit, crafts and giveaways will take place at Rotary Hill from 10AM to 12:30PM on Sat., July 3. Admission is free. Kids must be accompanied by adults.
At dusk on July 4, Independence Day Fireworks will be the crowning glory of The Salute at dusk at Frontier Park, located south of 95th Street at 3380 Cedar Glade Drive. Fireworks at Frontier Park on July 4 are free of charge.
Service animals only. No pets will be permitted.
Veteran Sandy Ruta discovers Naperville Responds for Veterans
In addition, the tribute event with live music will feature the story of Sandy Ruta, a Vietnam Veteran, and how he found Naperville Responds as his charity of choice.
A large poster, adorned with American Flags and images of Sandy and his prized Cougar, was created by Sandy’s daughter to tell his story.
“The day after Sandy returned home from Vietnam, he bought a car—his 1970 Mercury Cougar which he loved very much. Once he got married and his twins were born, he decided it was time to give up the Cougar for a more practical family car. As the girls got older, he decided he once again wanted that 1970 Mercury Cougar.
“After a long search, he finally located a seller and began to slowly restore the car, but never fully finished it. In 2017, after Sandy’s diagnosis of terminal cancer caused by his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, he know what he wanted to do with the car after his passed away.
“Sandy decided to finish the restoration he began years ago with the intention of selling the fully restored vehicle and donating the proceeds to a Veterans organization. After researching several worthy causes, he settled on Naperville Responds for Veterans (NRFV), a nonprofit organization that coordinates volunteers to assist local Veterans with home repairs, renovations and construction.”
Sandy’s family is currently working with NRFV to execute the sale of the Cougar in which all proceeds will be given directly to NRFV to continue their mission of helping local Veterans in need.
In addition, Sandy’s family would like to thank everyone who has already donated.
Plans are to display the prized Mercury Cougar during The Salute.
Details on how to have a chance to own the classic car soon will be available.
For more information, visit www.napervilleresponds.org.
Thanks for tipping! Tip jars will be available at food and drink tents. All tips will go toward the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument planned for Veterans Park, with dedication ceremonies later this year planned by Century Walk Corporation.
Meanwhile, at 10AM Sat., July 3, a RED Shirt Photo will be taken at the Judd Kendall VFW Parking Lot, 908 W. Jackson Ave. For several months, the American Legion Riders have been selling RED (Remember Everyone Deployed) t-shirts for $20 as a fundraiser for the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. Photographer Jim Hoch and members of the Legion Riders welcome everyone with a RED shirt to join the photo op.
