Circle BMW Raises $750 for Zilinski Memorial Fund

Eatontown, NJ, June 25, 2015 (Newswire.com) - The founders of the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund were all smiles at Circle BMW in Eatontown as Owner Thomas DeFelice, Jr., presented the organization with a check for $750 resulting from the dealership’s Memorial Day fundraiser.

The fund was created and founded in 2006 in order to honor local resident 1st Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II, United States Army, who was killed in action while deployed in Iraq on November 19, 2005. Zilinski was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, which is also DeFelice’s alma mater.

"We were very honored to be the chosen recipients of this year's Memorial Day fundraiser. We also salute Circle BMW as being one of the few dealerships to close on Memorial Day…they put honoring our military ahead of profits, and that's a rare thing these days."

Marion Zilinksi, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund

“I graduated from CBA in 1970,” said DeFelice.  “That’s where I heard about the Zilinski Fund and all the wonderful things it does for our wounded warriors.”

He noted that Circle BMW honors a different veterans charity each year during Memorial Day, but his shared connection with the late Lt. Zilinski made this year’s effort very special. 

“We were very honored to be the chosen recipients of this year’s Memorial Day fundraiser,” said the fund’s Co-Founder Marion Zilinski, mother of Lt. Zilinski.  “We also salute Circle BMW as being one of the few dealerships to close on Memorial Day…they put honoring our military ahead of profits, and that’s a rare thing these days. 

“We wish more dealerships would follow their example and focus on the men and women who serve our country.”

The Fund is all volunteer, so 100 percent of the proceeds will go toward helping veterans.

About the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund:

Lt. Dennis Zilinski II grew up in Middletown, NJ and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, where he was a member of the swim team.  He received his nomination to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 2004.  He also completed Airborne School while a student at West Point.

After graduation from Ranger School, he was assigned to the 1/187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) “Rakkasan”.  He deployed with the 101st Airborne Division on September 17, 2005.  Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II died in Iraq on November 19, 2005 as a result of a roadside bombing near Bayji, 155 miles north of Baghdad.  Lt. Zilinski’s medals include: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Global War on Terror, Iraq Campaign Service Medal and the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.

As an act of that love, Dennis’ family and friends founded The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund, whose mission is to continue to serve and assist returning men and women who were wounded in service to our nation and to provide support and to provide support that improves the welfare of members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. The fund also supports scholarships at CBA.

For more information please visit: www.runwithdennis.org or email [email protected].