Mon Valley ABATE event benefits homeless vets
The region which encompasses the Most Livable City and the City of Champions is also unfortunately known for its homeless veterans.
“Allegheny County has the highest number of homeless veterans in the country and that’s not something I’m proud of at all,” said Roy Sluk Jr., a Carroll Township resident and Marine veteran. “A lot of our members in our chapter are ex-military. We take it personally that that number is so high.”
Sluk is a member of Mon Valley ABATE, which stands for Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education.
On Jan. 16, the Mon Valley ABATE will host a benefit dinner from 4-8 p.m. at Al’s Cafe, 440 McMurray Road, Bethel Park. The event benefits Pittsburgh-based Shepherd’s Heart Veteran’s Home, a transition site for homeless veterans in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Dinners, which will include spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert and beverage, are $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-10 and free for children under 5. A 50/50 raffle and live entertainment will be available.
This is the fourth year for the benefit dinner.
Rod Ambrogi, owner of Al’s Cafe, is a veteran, Sluk said.
“This year, we’re going to present a plaque of appreciation to Rod for his continued support through Mon Valley ABATE for Vets,” Sluk said.
Mon Valley ABATE Chapter 27 includes membership from the Mid-Mon Valley such as Monongahela and Carroll Township as well as Duquesne, West Mifflin, South Park and Bethel Park.
The organization supports motor safety programs, such as PennDOT’s Save a Life sign campaign, Sluk said.