Legion Auxiliary event to benefit shell museum, F.I.S.H. and more
The community can enjoy an evening out, while helping to raise needed funding for a couple of local organizations and a scholarship program, during a special fundraiser at American Legion Post 123.
Sarah’s Birthday Bash will take place on July 14 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Organized by the Ladies Auxiliary, it will feature a lasagna dinner, nine-ball pool tournament, basket drawing and 50/50 raffle, along with a membership drive for the legion, auxiliary and Sons of the Legion for those interested.
Auxiliary President Brandi Skog explained that a member of their council wanted to celebrate her birthday at the legion and hold a membership drive. In discussing the event, the auxiliary realized that the evening could also serve as a fundraiser, since it has not held any recently due to the pandemic.
“The auxiliary hasn’t donated and given back to the community the way we normally do,” she said.
Proceeds from the activities at the event will benefit four different entities.
“It’s something in the middle of the week for people to come out and enjoy,” Skog said.
The lasagna dinner will feature the Italian favorite, served alongside garlic bread and a Caesar salad. The cost is $8 per plate for attendees and it comes with dessert, which will be a cream puff pastry.
“The proceeds from that will go to the bus program for the shell museum,” she said.
Skog explained that the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum has a program in place that busses students from the local area, such as Fort Myers, to its facility to learn about mollusks and sea life.
After dinner is served, attendees can take part in the nine-ball pool tournament.
“It’s an individual tournament and you’ll get matched up,” Skog said. “It’s random; we draw cards.”
Players can sign up on site for a $10 buy in.
She reported that pot will be split between the tourney winner and F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva’s Backpack Program, which provides class supplies and food for school-aged children in need.
Attendees can try their luck at the basket drawing, with the tickets for purchase that evening.
“It’s going to be like a summertime liquor or mixed drink basket,” Skog said.
“We’ll probably put in cooler cups,” she added. “Stuff for the beach.”
The proceeds will go to the Auxiliary Nursing Scholarship Program.
“It gives the scholarship to veterans or daughters or sons of veterans who go into a nursing program,” Skog said.
There will also be the 50/50 raffle, with the tickets again available for sale on site. She explained that the monies received will be split between the raffle winner and the Punta Gorda Veterans Village.
“They help homeless veterans. They put them in housing, they help them get jobs,” Skog said, noting that the end goal is to stabilize those in the program and prepare them for a life of independence.
She added that the auxiliary typically organizes a yard sale type of fundraiser every year with the proceeds to benefit the village, but it has not held it in the last two years as a result of the pandemic.
There will also be an across-the-board membership drive taking place, with volunteers available to answer questions about the legion, auxiliary and Sons of the Legion, along with what each entails and costs. Skog reported that annual dues for the legion is $45, the auxiliary is $35 and the Sons is $30.
“We also have a junior program,” she said, adding that it is for ages under 18 and costs $10.
Those who want to lend their support but not partake in the evening’s activities can.
“They can donate and designate what charity they want that to go to,” Skog said.
However, the community is encouraged to come out for some camaraderie.
“We’ve had such a rough year and a turbulent year. When things are shut down, you don’t really think about how that affects charities,” she said. “This gets people out not only doing something fun, but it’s also giving back to the community.”
The legion is a cash only establishment.
For more information, contact Skog at 239-472-9979.
American Legion Post 123 is at 4929 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
Sarah’s Birthday Bash
When
July 14 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Where
American Legion Post 123, 4929 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel
Details
Open to the community
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email