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Operation Care Package Michigan is a non-profit organization focused on giving comfort and necessities to soldiers over seas "until they all come home." In order to continue its mission of sending packages overseas, Operation Care Package Michigan will host a "Mission Possible" that includes dinner, a live and silent auction, live entertainment and an evening pig roast. The benefit event will be held from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday July 12 at the Metamora Lions Club, 3790 N. Oak St.

Dinner will be provided by the White Horse Inn in Metamora from noon- 2 p.m. The menu for the event has not been determined. Tickets are limited and are on sale now for $30 each.

The silent auction will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. while the live auction provided by Rowley's Auction Service will be from 2-4 p.m. There is no entry charge for the auctions.

Founder Joyce "J.J." Fulgenzi, a proud daughter of a Navy veteran, said the operation began as she sent a care package to her nephew, Sgt. Patrick Sornson of the 82nd Airborne. Soon after, she began sending packages to his buddies and eventually his unit. Since then, the idea has snowballed into sending packages to new soldiers every month.

When asked how the troops have responded to the packages, Fulgenzi said they have been very appreciative.

"I have books and books of letters they have written back in response and we have gotten three flags that were flown over Iraq or Afghanistan," Fulgenzi said.

The Second Platoon, Bravo Battery sent back a letter of appreciation to Fulgenzi and her team of volunteers that expressed just how much the packages mean to them. An excerpt from that letter read:

"All the items you have sent helped us greatly in improving our morale as well as bringing us a piece of home. It gave us a good peace of mind, knowing there are people back home that care and support us throughout our deployment.

"It is people like YOU that help us keep our heads up and driving forward."

Live entertainment at the July 12 benefit will include TJ Craven, A-Sod, Clay Adams, Furlong River, Badd Habitz and Jefferson starting at 5 p.m. Entertainment tickets are also on sale now for $15 each.

All of the proceeds will go toward the making and distributing of the care packages.

For tickets, more information or to make a donation contact Fulgenzi at (810) 664-7342 or e-mail her at jjfugi@chartermi.net. Also, to learn more about Operation Care Package Michigan go to www.ocpmi.com.