A Promise to Grandpa. A Mission for Veterans.
The story behind the Veterans Day Basket Raffle — and why every ticket matters.
How did a dental practice from the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York become affiliated with the Headstrong Project in the first place?
There can be a magical relationship with grandparents if you're fortunate. I was blessed to have had that extraordinary relationship with my grandparents. My grandfather, Thaddeus Siminski, served in World War II on the USS Tinsman and was very proud to be a Navy veteran. When he passed away, I wanted to find a way to honor him and what began as a spitball, small potatoes raffle idea over coffee, has now blossomed into a continual community wide effort.
I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Britton Weber and I am a dentist in Skaneateles, New York. I call Skaneateles home, but growing up, my grandparents owned a camp in the Adirondack Mountains, and that place has a special spot in my heart. Because my mom was a teacher, we were able to spend every summer there with them. Consequently, my grandparents and I were extremely close. When my grandpa passed away in 2022, I was pregnant with my daughter and heartbroken that he would never be able to meet her. I had to find a way to channel my grief.
Growing up, I would ask my grandfather about his time in the service. Most of the time, he was very reluctant to talk about it, but on the rare occasions when he would, he said that he had seen and heard things no man should ever experience. My grandmother shared that he occasionally had nightmares. After his time in the service, concerns about mental health were not often expressed and services were not readily available. It certainly wasn't given the attention and priority that it has today. It's unfortunate that a resource like the Headstrong Project wasn't available for him. Hence, the fundraiser was born.
This fundraiser of ours has taken place both in 2022 and 2024. Through the generous donations from local individuals, businesses, and companies, we've been able to assemble various themed raffle baskets. Tickets are available for purchase by everyone and can be used to bid on whichever baskets they would like. Our raffle baskets vary from Haba toys for children to McKenzie-Child, Meyda Lighting, local breweries and wineries, spas, boat cruises on Skaneateles Lake — you name it. We are beyond blessed to live in such a generous and giving community. With those two events alone, our offices were able to raise $14,300 for the Headstrong Project.
The 2026 baskets are the best yet, and I can't wait to see what kind of turn out we're able to generate this year! My goal is to surpass a grand total of $20,000 (over the 3 years) so please check the Skaneateles Dental Associates socials for a complete list of 2026 basket options! Tickets are available for purchase at both of our offices; Skaneateles Dental Associates and Calm Lake Dental Associates between 8/31/26 – 11/11/26. Please help us spread the word about this amazing organization, the businesses who made this possible, and the courageous veterans who deserve our help.
In an interview with Stephen Colbert, Andrew Garfield talked about his mother with a rare kind of honesty that, for me, applies directly to my love for my grandfather and to this charity and the motivation behind it.
"It's all of the unexpressed love, the grief that will remain with us until we pass. Because we never get enough time with each other. I hope this grief stays with me forever because it's all the unexpressed love I never got to tell you…and I told her every day."
I love you sweet Granpa Ted.
— Dr. Britton Weber, Skaneateles Dental Associates & Calm Lake Dental Associates