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Beyond the Boots to Highlight NH-based Veteran-Owned Businesses

Easterseals NH’s Veterans Count fundraiser is back featuring the Scott Spradling Band

Manchester, NH – Beyond the Boots, a fundraiser for Easterseals NH’s Veterans Count, is back with an all-new format and venue for 2023. The 7th annual event, happening at The Factory on Willow in Manchester on Saturday, October 7, will bring attendees together for a night of live music, dancing, food, and specialty cocktails, all to support our military community in New Hampshire.

Formerly a fashion show starring New Hampshire military service members and veterans, Beyond the Boots is moving off the runway and onto the dance floor this year in favor of a more cocktail party-like atmosphere. Guests will enjoy a live performance by the 11-piece Scott Spradling Band, along with assorted hors d’oeuvres, and even signature Tito’s craft cocktails created just for the event.

The evening will also highlight five veteran-owned businesses based in New Hampshire. Representatives from each are expected to share their stories of what life for them has been like “beyond the boots,” and how the public can support their business endeavors.

“Beyond the Boots highlights what our great servicemen and women have done after they take off their boots and uniforms,” said Jim Moody, Immediate Past Chair of Veterans Count’s Manchester Chapter. “Many have started their own business, and some have started multiple businesses. You may not even know a business owner is a veteran unless they advertise themselves as such. Our goal is to highlight some of those right here in New Hampshire.”

Featured veteran-owned businesses will include the New Hampshire School of Mechanical Trades, which hosts classes in Manchester and Hampton; the National Flight Simulator, located at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport; Corflex Global, a Manchester-based manufacturer and distributor of orthopedic products; the Manchester Firing Line, an indoor shooting range offering individualized personal instruction to all ages and abilities; and Able Ebenezer Brewing Co., a self-distributing craft brewery in Merrimack.

“Helping veterans who are in need of assistance and honoring what veterans have accomplished in their civilian lives is a way to give back to these incredible people,” said Traci Beaurivage, president of NH HVAC Systems, Inc. in Hooksett and an active member of Veterans Count’s Manchester Chapter. “I am so proud to be involved in raising awareness and money to assist veterans in any way possible.”

Registration is $50 per person, with all proceeds to support Veterans Count. For more information on Beyond the Boots, or to purchase tickets, visit https://vetscount.org/nh/events/veterans-count-beyond-the-boots-2023/.

Boot with flowers inside
Five NH-based veteran-owned businesses will be highlighted during the annual Beyond the Boots fundraiser, returning for a 7th year on Saturday, October 7, for the first time at The Factory on Willow in Manchester. Event proceeds benefit NH service members, veterans, and their families. More details are available at https://vetscount.org/nh/events/veterans-count-beyond-the-boots-2023/. Photo by Timothy Courtemanche.

About Veterans Count
Veterans Count, a program of Easterseals NH, VT & Farnum, provides critical and timely clinical and social services, as well as financial assistance, to service members, veterans, and their families when other resources are not available to ensure their dignity, physical and mental health, and overall well-being. Emergency financial assistance may include rental assistance, gas, food, or utility payments. We help people access eligible benefits and services, housing, counseling services, and other needs to build a sustainable, secure, and viable future. Our commitment is to ensure the dignity, health, and overall well-being of each service member, veteran, and family member.

For more information, visit vetscount.org or follow us @VeteransCount on Facebook.