WHAT’S HAPPENING
PREVIOUS EVENTS
This is where you can read about previous milestone events for QL+. Don’t forget to check our Event Calendar and Upcoming Events for other important dates!
Opportunity Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon
QL+ was honored to be awarded one of the First Lady of Virginia’s Seal of Approval Awards for 2011, for “making significant contributions across the Commonwealth [of Virginia] to make it a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
The 2011 recipients were announced at an exclusive invitation-only reception and luncheon, held on December 16, 2011 at the downtown Richmond Marriot. QL+ Executive Director, Scott Monett, was on hand to receive the award, which is part of Governor Bob McDonnell’s efforts to create a Virginian ‘Commonwealth of Opportunity’ and recognize organizations and individuals throughout the state of Virginia who embody ‘the ideal of “getting involved and giving back” ‘ in four catgories: Preventative Health and Wellness, Economic Development, Women, and Military Families.
Industry Charitable Foundation
(IICF) 2011 Benefit Dinner
QL+ was the only Veterans Services Organization (VSO) honored at the IICF annual gala, held at the world-famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City on the evening of December 14, 2011.
General Richard B. Myers, USAF (Ret.), Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, accepted an IICF grant on behalf of QL+, while actor Robert de Niro narrated a short informational video about our organization and its mission. The star-studded event was also attended by actor, comedian and author, Dennis Leary, TV host, Katie Couric, NFL great, Archie Manning, WPIX TV reporter Kirstin Cole, and a host of insurance industry leaders and other high-profile individuals.
The IICF unites the collective strength of the insurance industry to offer grants, volunteer service and leadership to nonprofits across the country. Since its establishment in 1994, it has donated more than $16 million dollars and 140.000 volunteer service hours.
QL+ Student Presentation 
As the Fall Semester at Cal Poly drew to a close, QL+ hosted a special ceremony to honor graduating students who participated in our Program by giving their time, skills and enthusiasm as QL+ Project team members.
Accompanied by Executive Director, Scott Monett, QL+ Chairman and Founder, Jon Monett, awarded certificates and letters of recommendation to 17 graduating students in San Luis Obispo on Thursday, December 8, 2011. The tokens of appreciation represent the QL+ organization’s gratitude for the hard work, dedication and creativity with which these young people tackle their assigned QL+ Projects, and formally recognizes their dedication and commitment to our nation’s injured heroes.
Veterans Day BBQ 2011
Thanks to your generous support, the QL+ Veterans Day BBQ 2011 was our biggest and best yet! From the perfect fall weather of blue skies and mild temperatures, to the delicious BBQ meal and convivial atmosphere, this year’s BBQ broke all records!
Scores of QL+ supporters, including business leaders, injured Veterans and local families came out in force on Sunday, November 6, 2011, to enjoy the host of activities available – including the kids’ inflatables, face painting & craft activities, the raffle and silent and live auctions, and the special program of presentations. Click here to see our photo album.
QL+ was also honored to welcome some very special guests this year, including former Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife Lynne, Senator Fred Thompson, Delegates Barbara Comstock and Mark Keam, and Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust.
The event was a huge success, raising more than $50,000 in much-needed funds. All proceeds will be used to inspire innovation at the QL+ Laboratory in San Luis Obispo, California.
To all those who contributed to the success of the QL+ Veterans Day BBQ 2011, we thank you! To everyone who attended: we hope you enjoyed the afternoon and look forward to your continued support in the coming year. To all the folks who volunteered their free time: we couldn’t have done it without you. And to our in-kind donors, who provided items for our raffle/auction, and to our event sponsors, including official sponsor SAIC: your generosity and support was key to our event’s success.
If you were unable to attend this year’s BBQ, you can still help to make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country with dedication, honor and courage. Make a donation to our program today! Or simply mark your calendars for Sunday November 4, 2012 and we will see you then!
Running for a Reason
On Saturday, October 16, 2011, QL+ supporter Allen Wolff was up bright and early and raring to go!
Along with his Dad, a West Point graduate and military Veteran, Allen joined more than 10,000 other runners as they laced up their running shoes and pounded the pavement in the The Free Press Detroit Half Marathon. Allen successfully completed the race in a little under two hours – 1 hour 56 minutes and 48 seconds, to be precise! To date, he has raised almost $350 on behalf of QL+. As Allen says, “soldiers are returning from the front lines after serving and sustaining injuries beyond comprehension. QL+ is dedicated to innovation and creation of solutions which make the impossible achievable.”
A huge thank you from QL+!
Wounded Warriors
Polo Benefit 2011
Hosted by The St. Francis Commandery, Order of St. John, Knights Hospitaller, QL+ was honored to be one of two recipients of funds raised at this exclusive day on September 11, 2011.
Along with the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy, which offers horse-based therapy to wounded veterans, including those undergoing treatment at the VA Poly-Trauma Rehabilitation Center in Palo Alto, QL+ was the beneficiary of money raised at this prestigious event, held at the Menlo Polo Club in Atherton, California. The day included a champagne divot stomp, wine tastings from a variety of Bay Area vineyards, and a silent auction of unique items.
‘Never Give Up’ Cruise
Thank You Dinner
Earlier this year, QL+ was honored to be named a beneficiary of the ‘Never Give Up’ Motorcycle Cruise, commemorating the life of fallen Navy SEAL, Lance Vaccaro.
Proceeds from the motorcycle cruise and classic car rally were presented to QL+ Founder and Chairman, Jon Monett, at a celebratory Thank You Dinner, held on Saturday, September 10, 2011 in Reading, Pennsylvania. The dinner was attended by family and friends of the fallen hero, as well as the sponsors, donors and organizers who worked tirelessly to make the event a great success.
‘Never Give Up’ 
Memorial Cruise
QL+ was honored to be nominated as the beneficiary of funds raised from the Lance Vaccaro ‘Never Give Up’ (NGU) Memorial Motorcycle Cruise.
This event celebrated the life of fallen Navy SEAL, Lance Vaccaro, who tragically lost his life in a parachute training accident in 2008. Lance lived his life with a persistence and determination that rarely went unrewarded; hence the ride’s name. Held in his hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania, on June 18, 2011, the day-long event included a display of classic cars, a band and assorted food vendors, plus a four-hour motorcycle cruise. QL+ staff and volunteers manned two information booths during the event.
QL+ is deeply grateful to Lance’s mother, Chris Vaccaro, his uncle, Jim Hartman, and all the other family members, friends and members of the local community who worked tirelessly to make this event a success and to commemorate the life of one of our nation’s fallen heroes.
McLean Day 2011
Every year, thousands of local residents turn out to celebrate McLean, Virginia, hometown of the QL+ Program.
For the second year running, QL+ staff and volunteers manned a booth at this popular community event, taking the opportunity to introduce QL+ and its noble mission to members of the public. Throughout Saturday, May 21, 2011, we encouraged visitors to our booth to pen letters of support for our troops.
By the end of the day, QL+ had collected more than 125 letters from local residents, ranging in age from 2 to 40+. The letters have been forwarded to A Million Thanks for distribution to troops currently rehabilitating from their service-related injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, as well as those presently deployed overseas.
Faculty Reception
QL+ held a Faculty Reception at Et Voilá! restaurant, a popular French restaurant in San Luis Obispo, California on February 23, 2011.
The event provided a forum for an open two-way discussion. QL+ Executive Director, Scott Monett, gave a presentation about the QL+ Laboratory at Cal Poly and the Projects currently underway there, while faculty members provided valuable feedback about the QL+ Program on campus to help ensure that we continue to serve those injured in the line of duty efficiently and effectively.
About 30 Cal Poly faculty members were in attendance, including representatives from Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science and Software Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Engineering. Kinesiology, Military Science, Chemistry, and Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration Departments were also represented. Alongside associate professors and professors, QL+ was honored to host eight Department Heads for the evening. Two student volunteers from the QL+ Club – Vice President, Nick Butler, and Malcolm Lapera – helped to ensure that the event ran smoothly.
Veterans Day BBQ 
Our BBQ on November 7, 2010, was a great success, raising well over $35,000! This money will go towards funding projects at the QL+ Lab at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), where students and faculty work together to develop innovative devices that improve the quality of life of those injured in the line of duty.
The official sponsor of the event was SAIC. Many other local and national corporations and individuals also supported the event through sponsorships and in-kind donations.
Notables at the BBQ included Former Governor of Virginia, George Allen, Delegates Mark Keam (D–35th) and Barbara Comstock (R–34th), Virginia House of Delegates; John Foust, Supervisor of Fairfax County Board; and, Mark Sopp, CFO and Executive Vice President, SAIC. Dr. Tom Mase, a Cal Poly Mechanical Engineering Professor, and Nick Butler, a Biomedical Graduate Student at Cal Poly, also flew in for the event to talk about QL+ on campus.
McLean Chamber of
Commerce
Tennis Tournament
QL+ was the proud sponsor of the tennis segment of The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce Golf and Tennis Tournament, held on Monday, June 14, 2010.
Over 100 golf and tennis players participated in this event, which took place at the Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston, Virginia. Following a delicious lunch, tennis players benefitted from a clinic given by Club Pro, Don Wright. Match play began mid-afternoon. The day’s activities concluded with cocktails, a banquet and an awards ceremony. Tennis tournament winner, Ghassan Abukurah, received a certificate and a complimentary tennis lesson from Mr. Wright.
QL+’s own Director of Administration, Bill Kuhn, was a member of the tournament organizing committee. He also participated in the event.
“The tournament was a great success,” Mr. Kuhn said, “and everybody said they were looking forward to next year’s tournament. Many people inquired about the work of QL+ and we hope that participants visit our website to learn more.”
Mclean Day 2010
On Saturday May 15, QL+ participated in Mclean Day 2010, an annual event that attracts approximately 15,000 people. QL+ staff and volunteers greeted hundreds of adults and children, spreading the word about the QL+ mission and how our organization helps military Veterans and others injured while serving our country.
The QL+ booth featured a “Tree for Heroes”, where children and their parents decorated “Thank You” cards to show their appreciation of those who protect our communities and our country. Over the course of the day, 255 ornaments were decorated and hung on the ‘Tree for Heroes’.
“It was wonderful to see how children of all ages are truly thankful and appreciative of the men and women serving in the military and civilian agencies, keeping us safe,” said QL+ Executive Director, Scott Monett.
QL+ also accepted a number of donations, some of which were touchingly donated by children giving up their snack money. We appreciate everyone’s support of our cause.
Inaugural QL+ Day BBQ, 2009
Under sunny skies and unseasonably warm temperatures, Veterans, area residents and youngsters enjoyed the first annual QL+ Veterans Day BBQ on Sunday November 8, 2009. Held at The Pavilions at Turkey Run, near Claude Moore Colonial Farm in McLean, Virginia, the event helped to raise funds for the Program and to build awareness of QL+ in the Washington, DC area.
Supporters enjoyed a special program of events, a BBQ meal, and family activities. Thank you to all who attended, volunteered, donated and supported the 2009 BBQ.
QL+ at Fire Prevention
Open House
QL+ participated in the Fire Prevention Open House in McLean, Virginia, on Saturday, October 10, 2009. In honor of National Fire Prevention Week, the annual open house is a fun and informative family-oriented event.
QL+ staff and volunteers manned the table throughout the daySaturday, informing the local community about the new 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and its mission to improve the lives of injured service members and first responders. Two lucky QL+ supporters won Build-A-Bear toys in the free QL+ raffle drawn at the end of the day.
QL+ Team Participate
in 5k Run,Wheel, Walk
Staff from Quality of Life Plus (QL+) ran and walked in the 5th annual Super H 5K in Tysons Corner, Virginia on September 13, 2009.
The QL+ team, comprised of staff members, their spouses and children, completed the race on a crisp Sunday morning, alongside other wheelchair, runners, walkers, and modified-cycle entrants. The race, which raises money for the National Rehabilitation Hospital’s BlazeSports Club for people with physical disabilities, is sponsored by Sport and Health Clubs.