MM_092018

mokenamessenger.com News
the Mokena Messenger | September 20, 2018 | 5
BBQ Bonanza raises big bucks for veterans
T.J. Kremer III, Editor
Summer’s not over yet,
and the Auxiliary of VFW
Post 725 in Mokena took
advantage of the summer
weather as it held its ninth
annual BBQ Bonanza Saturday,
Sept. 15.
The annual tradition raises
money for veterans and their
families by hosting an evening
of dinner — a choice of
steak or marinated chicken,
provided at a discount by
CP Meat Market Inc, was
the main courses this year —
along with plenty of chances
to win raffle prizes and enjoy
a live DJ.
This year, 40 baskets filled
with local merchants’ goods
were up for grabs, as well as
gift certificates, a shot at a
snazzy recliner from Mike’s
Furniture and a bloody Mary
cooler donated by Post
Game Pub, complete with
all the necessary items to
make for a unforgettable -—
or forgettable, depending on
how much one imbibes —
bloody Mary party.
“Everybody was so kind…
The whole community helps
us out with these raffles. It’s
unbelievable,” said President
of the Auxiliary Vickie
Hogan, wife of Post 725
Commander Jim Hogan.
“All these years all these
people have supported us.
Olive Garden does breadsticks
and the salads, El Cortez
does the potatoes, Stoney
Point [Grill] does the green
beans, Aurelio’s does the
mushrooms and onions for
us, and pretty much all the
ladies bake for the desserts.”
Each year the Auxiliary
donates half of the proceeds
from the event to Manteno
Veterans’ Home. The other
half gets sent off to various
other veterans’ groups,
which are selected by the
members of the Auxiliary.
In years past, the event has
typically sold more than 100
meals; this year, the event
raised approximately $1,700
for veterans.
The Auxiliary and the
VFW also hold multiple other
fundraisers for veterans
Just some of the 40 raffle baskets up for grabs at BBQ
Bonanza. Many of the items were donated by Mokena
businesses in support of area veterans.
throughout the year, such as
Christmas in July and the
annual Christmas Wish fundraisers.
And Hogan gives full
credit to the people of the
community who help out by
donating to the cause.
“I would love to say,
‘Thank you,’ to all those
people who support us every
year,” Hogan said.
Broker - Management Team
“10”
10/4/18.
10/4/18.
Debbie King, a member of VFW Post 725 Auxiliary, tends the raffle table at the Auxiliary’s ninth annual BBQ Bonanza
Saturday, Sept. 15. King, now a resident of Rantoul, made the more than 90-mile trip to Mokena to help out with the event.
Photos by T.J. Kremer III/22nd Century Media