Hollywood Heads to Washington, D.C. to Raise Awareness for a New Retreat for Wounded Warriors and Their Families

 Marty Papazian, Actor, Writer and Director of Least Among Saints to Headline Special Event for Boulder Crest Retreat in Bluemont, Va.

Marty Papazian will be the featured guest at a special event to help raise awareness about the challenges veterans face returning from war and to support Boulder Crest Retreat, a new rural sanctuary for wounded warriors and their families. More than 200 guests are expected to attend this special screening ofLeast Among Saints and hear Papazian speak about his film and commitment to raising awareness about veterans’ issues on Thursday, Feb. 21 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the United States Navy Memorial.

“I began encountering soldiers returning home in 2004 and I have been deeply moved by their sacrifices and the cost of war on their psyche and souls,” said Marty Papazian, actor, writer and director of Least Among Saints. “I am honored to help bring greater awareness to Boulder Crest Retreat that will help our nation’s wounded warriors and their families recover from the physical and invisible wounds of war.” 

The film, which focuses on a returning combat veteran’s struggle with the aftermath of his experiences during war, was just nominated for the PRISM award (feature film category) by the Entertainment Industries Council (EIC). Papazian will also donate his time and talent to Boulder Crest Retreat, appearing in public service announcements that will be filmed during his trip to the D.C.-area this week. www.leastamongsaints.com

Boulder Crest Retreat in Bluemont, Va., is a rural sanctuary being built for wounded warriors and their families to reconnect and recuperate as they go through the long recovery process from physical and mental injuries and trauma. The retreat is set to open in September 2013 and will host between 250-500 families per year providing free, ADA-accessible accommodations, recreational activities and wellness programs in a scenic and peaceful environment. The event is part of the ongoing fundraising efforts for the opening and long term-sustainability of the retreat.

“It is a real privilege to have Marty Papazian working to help support Boulder Crest Retreat, which will welcome and care for hundreds of our nation’s military families,” said Ken Falke, founder of Boulder Crest Retreat and a retired U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician. “I am truly grateful to Marty and the many organizations and individuals who have contributed to helping us give back to those who have sacrificed so much.”

The retreat is completely privately funded and has a capital campaign to raise $10 million. While the retreat has crossed the halfway fundraising milestone, an additional $5 million still needs to be raised and support is very much needed.

For more information about Boulder Crest Retreat please visit www.bouldercrestretreat.org.

About Boulder Crest Retreat

Located just 50 miles outside of Washington, D.C., in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Bluemont, Va., Boulder Crest Retreat is a rural sanctuary for wounded military warriors and their families to enjoy non-clinical, recreational therapeutic activities aimed at assisting with their physical, mental and spiritual recovery. Currently under construction, the retreat is slated for opening in September 2013. Founded by Ken Falke, a retired U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, the Retreat is being developed on 37 acres of donated land, with funding and volunteer contributions coming from local and national corporations, non-profit organizations and private citizens. For more information about Boulder Crest Retreat, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or to make a tax deductable donation, please visit http://www.bouldercrestretreat.org.