Dinner raises $30,000 for homeless veterans

The first Joey “Joe Veg” Luchetti Memorial Dinner for Homeless Veterans raised $30,000 in support of the Tunnels to Towers Foundation’s Northern New Jersey Homeless Veterans Program.

The dinner was Sept. 28 at the Barn at Hillside Park in Newton. It honored Luchetti, who dedicated much of his life to supporting homeless veterans.

The event was a collaboration among the Band of Brothers, Newton American Legion Post 86 Veterans Foundation and the Sons of American Legion Post 86.

“The turnout and generosity were overwhelming,” said Lawrence Sampey, president of the Post 86 Veterans Foundation. “Joey’s vision for helping our homeless veterans lives on through this event.

“We are proud to support the Tunnels to Towers Foundation and their critical work. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to growing this event in future years to continue honoring Joey’s legacy.”

The Tunnels to Towers Foundation’s mission is to honor the sacrifices of first-responders and military personnel by providing mortgage-free homes to families who have lost a loved one. The Northern New Jersey Homeless Veterans Program provides housing assistance, resources and support to local veterans in need.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from the Sussex County community,” said Nancy Luchetti-Mettler, the event organizer and sister of the late Joey Luchetti. “This event is a perfect reflection of Joe’s heart for helping those in need, especially our veterans. We hope this annual dinner will continue to bring us together to support our heroes who may need a hand up, not just a handout.”

In August, the Joey “Joe Veg” Luchetti’s Memorial Ride and Celebration of Life raised $4,200 for the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

Luchetti died May 31 in a motor vehicle accident. He was 60.