Local VFW Post 3615 is rolling out a special spring fundraiser to help get its new post facility built.
The City of Ruston has committed $300,000 toward the new post building and the veterans group is tasked with bringing in the final $50,000 plus any additional funds needed for change orders. For the group, it’s been a long time coming.
“We’ve been without a place to gather and meet for far too many years,” said Post Commander Tom Boniol. “And we are so grateful to the City for its partnership. Now we just need to get over this final hurdle.”
Members have indicated how important it is for veterans of foreign combat to have a safe place to meet, especially with many of them dealing with physical and emotional needs. Understanding that these men and women can face difficulties in acclimating to civilian life after returning home, the VFW post becomes a safe place for the veterans to gather and deal with whatever adjustments or daily circumstances they face. Furthermore, it provides the space needed for the group to work on its numerous community service projects.
“Our group is very involved with the community,” Boniol said. “We do multiple projects with our local students and schools, implement the flag program throughout the community, honor local first responders and community leaders, work with scouts and organize the flag retirement ceremony. And that’s just some of it. We will be able to do so much more once we get our post built.”
The spring fundraiser has several different opportunities that allow both individuals and businesses to get involved. It includes a raffle for a custom-made cook trailer along with a digital campaign to expand the fundraising footprint.
“The cook trailer was hand-made by Robert Meyer especially for this fundraiser and includes two fish cookers, a crawfish cooker, griddle and grill,” Boniol added. “Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased from any VFW or Auxiliary member.”
This month post members will also begin setting up at businesses throughout the community to sell raffle tickets and accept donations. Upcoming locations include Super 1 Foods (Saturday, April 20), Tractor Supply, PJ’s Coffee and Shed Fest (Saturday, April 27), as well as the Ruston Farmers Market on both Thursday, April 18, for the evening market and Saturday, April 20 during regular hours. Additional locations will be added for May and June.
For those interested in making a donation to assist Post 3615 in this effort, they can visit https://collectcheckout.com/r/v7lcr or the attached QR Code to make a contribution that is directly deposited into the building fund bank account. In addition, the Auxiliary has established a GoFundMe account in order to reach a broader audience beyond the community. However, local supporters are welcome to visit the site and contribute there as well.
“We hope our community will see value in joining us in this effort and helping us help our veterans,” Boniol said. “Our All-American VFW provides such an important service for our community. We look forward to having a building that allows us to better serve our veterans and those around us.”
