Krege Clarence Citizens for Veterans grew out of a conversation between parents and siblings of service members who wanted a way to give back to the troops, according to Jessica Koss, secretary of the group.

Now CCV is a nonprofit organization with the goal of providing support to veterans. It is hosting a fundraiser, “Open Your Heart,” from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Clarence Town Park Club House, 10405 Main St., Clarence.

The fundraiser is being held in honor of Army Pfc. Travis Krege who was killed in action on Dec. 6, 2006, according to information from Koss. The Maryvale High School graduate was 24 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while he was serving in Iraq.

“Krege was remembered by loved ones and friends as having a bright smile and a big heart. He was proud to volunteer for service in the Army and to serve in [the] war in Iraq, as his father did in Vietnam and his grandfather did in WWII,” according to information from Koss.

He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and other military decorations.

The proceeds from the event will benefit WNY Heroes, a local organization that assists veterans.

The Open Your Heart event will offer wine, cheese and chocolate tastings; beer and other refreshments; an auction; entertainment; and trivia. The cost is $10, which includes 10 tickets toward food and beverage tastings and entrance in a door-prize raffle.

For presale tickets, send a check or money order payable to Clarence Citizens for Veterans, 9290 Martin Road, Clarence Center, NY 14032. Tickets will be available at the door. The event is for those 21 and older. For more information, email citizens4veterans@gmail.com or call 860-8450.

CCV has also been involved with Clarence Day in the Park, Memorial Day celebrations and the Clarence Center Labor Day Fair and plans to be involved in those events on an annual basis, said Koss.

The group is also supporting the Honor Flight Buffalo program, which makes it possible for veterans to visit their war memorials in Washington, D.C. CCV has committed to sponsoring a World War II veteran for the spring Honor Flight visit.

A “guardian” goes with each Honor Flight participant, some of whom are in wheelchairs, to help with mobility, and members of CCV have volunteered their time in that way. Koss said her mother was a guardian for a veteran who had been shot down during WWII with his copilot and had not seen him since. The two had the opportunity to reconnect in Washington during the trip.

CCV has donated to national and local organizations, including the Wounded Warrior Project and the Staff Sgt. Mark A Spence Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Koss said CCV also aims to assist veterans by helping them access the services they need. Sometimes they return injured, and while their medical costs may be covered, the expense of making their homes accessible is prohibitive, or their family members need help paying for a flight to visit them in a distant hospital.

Koss has two brothers in the Army, now serving in Afghanistan, and a sister in the Navy. She said she got involved with CCV because she wanted to give back to other military families who do not have the resources she does.

The organization is 100 percent volunteer, and other than operating expenses, all proceeds go toward helping veterans and their loved ones.