News : Nets for Vets: Vikettes present $2,000 to county veterans fund

VS Vikettes presented a $2,000 check to the local veterans program this week.

This November event raised $2,000 to help local veterans.

The Vinton Shellsburg Vikettes wrapped up their basketball season in part by remembering the way the season began -- by honoring local veterans.

The presented a $2,000 check to Benton County Veterans Affairs director Chuck James. The team had raised that money in November, during their Nets for Vets event.

Part of the Iowa Pride Challenge, which encourages high school teams to help their communities, the scrimmage vs. Dunkerton was an evening to thank local veterans, and to raise money to help meet health and other needs.

T-shirts, a large flag, and lots of red, white and blue, helped honor veterans.

James said the funds help the county program help veterans in a variety of ways: Food, prescriptions, transportation and help with filling out federal VA application. There are approximately 2,000 veterans in Benton County, with about 200 contacting the county's Veterans Affairs office for assistance this year.

Coach Deb Schirm said that the team can only participate in such events every other year; she told the vets she hopes to organize a similar event for the 2015-16 season.

See more photos from that November event HERE.