The Vietnam Veterans of American #865 are hoping to fulfill some dreams this Saturday and could use your help.
The group will hold its third annual "Vinnie Day" at 1 p.m. to satisfy the wishes of one of its deceased members, along with benefitting another.
Larry Churchheus of the group said Vinnie Vaccaro was a veteran and group member, who died of cancer. Before his passing, he had a couple of wishes. One was to build a veranda at the veterans' 41 Bigelow Avenue facility, where veterans could gather and tell stories "in the sunshine," said Churchheus. Second, he wanted to hold a benefit for other veterans.
Vaccaro's wishes will come true Saturday when food and beverages are donated, bands volunteer time and money is raised for another local, ill veteran, who will get a surprise: the money raised from the benefit, at which raffles will be sold and donated items auctioned. Donations, either monetary or items for the auction, are requested.
Churchheus said last year more than $1,200 was raised, enabling 172 support the troops care packages to be sent to those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. BMX events, youth sports teams and others in need in the community have also benefitted from the group's fundraising efforts.
Churchheus said all of the veterans have put time in already to save their country and now they want to make sure it is a better place than when they left.
"It's just how we are," said Churchheus, adding the fundraising keeps the veterans active in securing freedoms for the community. After all, he said, that is why the veterans fought.
For more information or to arrange a donation, call 483-6845.
