Valdez Veterans Alliance Services will celebrate 251 years of United States Marine Corps tradition while raising money to support veterans and their families during its annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa.
The 2026 event will benefit Our Next Mission, a nonprofit serving veterans and their families. The evening is open to the community and will include an official Marine Corps birthday ceremony, reception and dinner, live and silent auctions, raffle baskets, fundraising activities, dancing and an after-party.
Valdez Veterans Alliance Services, also known as VVAS, is a Manatee County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on helping veterans, service members and their families connect with benefits, resources and community support. The organization provides guidance involving veterans benefits, healthcare resources, housing navigation and crisis and stabilization services, with additional attention to veterans who are disabled, elderly, rural, justice-involved or otherwise at risk of falling through gaps in existing systems.
VVAS was founded by retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Edward G. Valdez, who served more than two decades in the military. Jade Valdez serves as president and CEO and oversees the nonprofit’s day-to-day operations.
The organization traces its roots to Edward and Jade Valdez’s move to Manatee County and their effort to bring veterans together through a celebration inspired by the traditional Marine Corps Birthday Ball. What began as an event honoring Marine Corps heritage expanded to welcome veterans from all branches of the military and eventually developed into a broader effort to help veterans navigate services and resources.
VVAS uses community events, donations and partnerships to support veteran-focused programs and organizations. Its activities have included Marine Corps anniversary celebrations and a 2026 charity golf tournament, while the annual Birthday Ball continues the tradition that helped lead to the organization’s formation.
This year’s Birthday Ball will feature live entertainment by the Jesse Daniels Band and a featured performance by national anthem singer Melinda Drake.
Doors open at 5 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, 600 U.S. Highway 41, Palmetto. Tickets are $350 per person, with black tie or dress blues encouraged.
Tickets, sponsorships and additional information are available through Valdez Veterans Alliance Services.
