After serving two tours in Iraq, Marine veteran Donny Kennedy made his transition to civilian life with the help of Veterans Affairs. Now Donny and his wife, Melanie are hoping to help other veterans have the resources to start down the same path.

In celebration of the 242nd birthday of the United States Marine Corp, the Kennedys will host a ball and birthday bash at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 at their business, Fifty5, 104 N. Third St.

The event will include dancing and a traditional ceremony where the youngest and oldest Marine cut cake together. Attendees will also view a message from Commandment. There will be food, cash bar and silent auction.  Food will be supplied by the Paris Soda Co. and drinks will be catered by the Brass Eye.

In addition to celebrating local veterans, the event’s proceeds will support The Raider Project, a nonprofit based in North Carolina that implements national support systems for Marine combat veterans, including suicide prevention, drug addiction treatment, post-traumatic stress therapy, as well as employment and financial assistance and traumatic brain injury assistance.

“The goal would be able to sell out the event,” Donny said. “That would give us the maximum amount of proceeds.”

There are 200 tickets available. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Ticket cost covers dinner and entry. 

In conjunction with the efforts to support the Raider Project, the event will also serve as a Toys for Tots Drive. The couple felt the additional drive was fitting, given that the Marines started the toy fundraiser.

From 2001 to 2005, Donny served in the Marine Corps in the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment in infantry and machine gunnery. When he was able to return home, Donny suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and a disability stemming from his time in the service. Through the Veterans Affairs, Donny was able to get the help he needed.

“There’s definitely a need out there,” Melanie said. “I feel like a lot of times, people think that when people return from the service, they are fine and living their lives with no worries and that’s not the truth. There are a lot of instances that require help and attention. It’s something that not everybody talks about.”

The stigma surrounding getting help is another hurdle for veterans, Donny said. For the Marine veteran, one draw to the Raider Project was the fact that it is staffed by veterans who understand what fellow service men and women have been through, which can help to overcome the fear of asking for help.

While the couple is happy to help out a worthy cause, they said they also hope the ball will bring service men and women to remember their strong bond.

“The Marine Corp has a motto: ‘Once a Marine always a Marine,’” Donny said. “Guys and gals on active duty get the opportunity to have that camaraderie again and the opportunity to remember.”

Earlier this year, Donny and Melanie opened Fifty5, the former site of the Elks Lodge. The three-story building had been vacant for three years, after the Elks moved locations. Despite being a big project, the couple saw potential in the restoration of the 1920s building, especially when they found a connection to the building pictured in a family photograph that showed Melanie’s parents, Lennie and Vickie, getting married at the venue in 1978.

Now operating the restored building together as a wedding and events venue, the couple said they wanted a grand opening event that would also serve their community.

“I think it is only fitting that this building pays tribute to that time in my life and other service members,” Donny said. “And also helping people that might not otherwise get aid.”

The event is open to the public, including those who are not veterans. Melanie encouraged the community to support a worthy cause.

“We have needed help personally because of his service connection,” Melanie said. “It would feel good to be able to give back.”

Those wishing to support the event are advised to message Melanie and Donny via their online at facebook.com/Fifty5Niles/ at or call (269) 591-0334.