La Jolla Village News - 21 August 2003

"Army vet plans 5-star weddings" by Tanya Kurland

Several La Jolla businesses are showing their appreciation to U.S. Armed Forces by contributing their services to "Operation I Do!," a contest that will donate a free wedding to two members of the military.

"Operation I Do!" was created by Clairemont resident Jan Vlcek as an expression of gratitude to the members of the military.

"This was to try and show the American people the level of commitment that the military has to the country," said Vlcek, a U.S. Army veteran. "And the only parallel I can come up with is that the average American understand the commitment that family members make to each other, from husbands to wives and parents to children."

The idea actually expanded into two weddings, appropriately named "Alpha" and "Bravo," due to the generosity of more than 65 wedding-related vendors in the San Diego area. Almost everything needed for the five-star weddings - including attire, reception site, photography and air transportation for the bridal couple and their parents - is included.

Jerry Klein, owner of A Better Deal, 369 Bird Rock Ave., is donating formal wear for one of the lucky couples.

"They make their contribution and they deserve to be acknowledge for it," klein said.

Margaret's Dry Cleaners, 7519 La Jolla Blvd., will preserve each bridal gown after the wedding, which enables the gown to be used for future brides. The cost of the process normally is between $350 and $450.

"It's just our small way of giving back," said Chuck Horst, general manager of the cleaners.

A free overnight stay at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines hotel, 10950 N. Torrey Pines Road, will be offered to the happy couples.

"We really thought it was a great idea... we just wanted to show our support," said Maria Gomez-Laurens, assistant director of catering at the hotel.

FirstDance.com will provide music and Kathy Wright & Co. will provide floral arrangements. San Diego Magazine, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vlcek's own ocean engineering company, Variant, Inc., are also contributing to the weddings, among many other businesses.

All military members who were deployed during Operation: Iraqi Freedom and/or Operation: Enduring Freedom were eligible to enter the contest by filling out an application at the www.operationido.com Web site by the Aug. 16 deadline. In addition to local news media outlets, the contest was advertised in the military news to inform those stationed abroad.

A random drawing will be held at the San Diego Symphony's Summer Pops concert facility at the Navy Pier in downtown San Diego on Aug. 29, at 8:30 a.m. The symphony and the classical music trio Caprice Strings will perform.

Contributions are still being accepted; call (760) 788-1138.