Author: ateeter

Annual Spaghetti Fundraiser Volunteers’ Hard Work Pays Off

By Alyson M. Teeter

A sampling of the raffle prizes included art, dinner gift certificates, and vacation houses. There was something for everyone as there were more than 60 raffle prizes.

 

 

Many hours of work paid off for VFW Post 3063 volunteers during the VFW Post 3063 Annual Spaghetti Fundraiser and Raffle Sept. 8, 2018. The annual spaghetti fundraiser, which has been held at the post hall for a number of years, brought in $5797.77. The net proceeds will be deposited in the Post Relief Fund, which benefits a variety of causes, from local veterans in need — including those at the Seattle VA hospital — to the VFW’s National Home for Children.

 

The hall was jam packed with comrades,

The Seelig Family cooks and serves dinner at the fundraiser.

family members, and friends due in part to the Seelig family. Two-year Trustee Russ Seelig and his family performed a bulk of the work, from collecting raffle items to cooking the food. Their dedication to executing a phenomenal event was evident in the amount and quality of raffle items, the large turnout, and the taste of the food.

 

 

Many other members helped behind the scenes by collecting or donating

The post hall was full of members, family, and friends enjoying each other’s company while waiting for dinner to be served. Children were welcome at the event and entertained by the post’s toy collection.

raffle items and selling tickets. Robert Kettle narrated and kept the event running smoothly. The Post 3063 Color Guard performed a flawless posting of the colors. Jan Bryson provided front office support before, during, and after the event.

 

Thank you to all who attended and come again next year!

 

Auxiliary Corner: What’s Membership?

By Donna Limric

 

The auxiliary supports the veterans and our communities so that they may be well. Most civic organizations have an auxiliary of some kind and the VFW is no exception. We raise funds, volunteer our time, and collect goods for organizations that serve our vets, military families and our community at large. For example, we raise money for National Home which is an organization that provides temporary housing for families and children in need. In addition, we volunteer at the VA hospital and send care packages to military posts.

 

The auxiliary promotes and celebrates patriotism through the proper care and retirement of American flags. On Flag Day and Veterans Day we post flags at grave sites of the heroes who have passed on. We offer scholarships to our youth for art, writing and community service that demonstrates what patriotism means. When our membership grows we can do so much more, and more is needed.

 

The VFW Ballard Auxiliary needs members. If you have a spouse, late spouse, sibling, parent, grandparent, or child who fought in a battle in a foreign war in the American Armed Forces, you qualify to join the VFW Auxiliary. It costs $50.00 to join but our auxiliary can sponsor you if you are unable to pay the dues. The Auxiliary provides advocacy to our lawmakers on behalf of our veterans and our armed forces to protect and improve benefits for our veterans, armed forces and their families. Members in our ranks means more people who have an interest in veterans and military issues. Finally, more members in our auxiliary means that we have more people to provide all the services our community and veterans need.

 

So, what’s in it for you?  Being in the auxiliary is fun. You get to meet wonderful people who are dedicated to various projects. It is social. Last May I was involved in a group that hosted bingo for VA Hospital patients. We brought sandwiches, snacks, cake and ice cream. The patients got the chance to win vouchers for the hospital canteen. We had a blast! Last Memorial Day the post and auxiliary participated in a poppy drive in front of the QFC. People coming out of the store shared their stories of being a vet, or of the vets in their family. One lady from Britain shared her memories of doing poppy drives with her parents since she was a little girl. The auxiliary also has a scholarship program for members who face cancer that pays for treatment expenses. Your participation in the auxiliary would look great on a resume!

 

So, if you want to belong to a fun group of people who are dedicated to making a difference please consider joining the VFW Auxiliary. We would love to have you.

From the Auxiliary: Vacationing Vet!

By Auxiliary President Donna Limric

 

One of the perks available for those who serve their country are DEALS: Goodwill, Dairy Queen, cell phone companies, cars, etc. We should always ask if a vendor has these discounts. We have earned them. When we buy items and services from these vendors we are also thanking them for supporting us.

 

When it comes to travel there are lots of deals.

 

The auxiliary is responsible for helping military personal, veterans, and families lead healthy and happy lives. Most of us take it for granted and think vacation time is a luxury or a frill. The truth is that self-care is crucial. I would like to offer our post members a few options that are available to veterans. There are cruises, camp grounds, hotels, and airlines that support veterans by offering discounts. There are hotels and other places to stay that are for active and retired military.

 

Here is a small sample of vacation deals and discounts I have found: Best Western, Choice Hotels, Comfort Inn, Embassy Suites, Hampton, Hawthorn Suites, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, La Quinta, Marriott, Motel 6, Red Lion Hotels, Red Roof Inn, and Sleep Inn all offer various discounts.

 

Sandals Beach Resorts, an all-inclusive resort in various ports of calls, has a 10% discount for veterans and active military personnel.

 

Caesars Entertainment International has a program called Total Rewards. This program offers discounts at all their properties (not just in Las Vegas but all around the world). This includes Caesars Palace, The Flamingo, Harrah’s, and Baily’s. They offer free parking on any of their properties, dinner deals, and more.

 

The Hale Koa is a resort on the island of Oahu. This is only for active military, veterans, and family members. In addition to room accommodations they also offer discount tickets to events.

 

Similar to the Hale Koa is the Shades of Green Lodge resort near Disney World.

 

Closer to home is Jim’s Creek, a camp ground in Snohomish county. This campground requires military ID.  However, one can bring guests.

 

Many Military bases have lodges and hotels available for those with DOD benefits.

 

Get out there have fun, relax, and enjoy the offers provided here. Also ask for discounts at airlines, car rentals, and attractions. It always pays to ask.