Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 278 will hold the second annual Wagons for Veterans fundraiser on March 30. Centered around a “chuckwagon”-style banquet with foods cooked in cast-iron pots over open fires, the fundraiser will benefit local military veterans and their families.
Last year’s event drew more than 1,000 patrons and raised more than $9,000. Of the money raised, about $3,700 went to the Heroes Pantry to buy and distribute Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas hams to area veterans. Another $500 went toward a local veteran’s funeral services, $2,500 was used to help a veteran with housing demolition and $1,200 helped a disabled veteran install ramps at his home.
The event will also feature local bands and live and silent auctions. Last year, 15 chuckwagons supplied food; this year, at least 18 are expected.