Benefit for homeless veterans to be held tonight in Preston

Preston - A dinner and dance will be held tonight at the Preston VFW Post to benefit the transitional housing project in New London for homeless veterans.

Several local leaders are planning to attend, including state Sen. Andrew Maynard, D-Stonington, Rep. Christopher Coutu, R-Norwich, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Republican Senate hopeful Rob Simmons, Capt. Marc W. Denno, commanding officer of the Naval Submarine Base, and other local political and military leaders.

The New London Homeless Hospitality Center used a grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to purchase a four-family house at 53 Mountain Ave., New London.

The suggested donation for a ticket is $20. The social hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by a pasta dinner at 7 p.m., guest speakers including local politicians and military personnel at 8 p.m., and live music and dancing at 9 p.m. Tickets are available at the VFW or by calling (860) 437-1777. Donations can also be made online at the HHC Web site, www.nlhhc.org. The Homeless Hospitality Center is a nonprofit, board-governed charity.