AMVETS Post 72 will recognize the contributions of not only veterans during an Aug. 27 barbecue, but also their broader support systems of friends, family and community.
“I’m trying to bring the community together. That’s why we called it a community barbecue, to let the public know that they’re welcome and that we want them here, that it’s not just an AMVETS social, it’s open to the public” , said Todd Bendler, second vice president of AMVETS Post 72. .
The AMVETS Community BBQ will take place at AMVETS Post 72, located at 57581 AMVETS Drive in New Haven. It is organized by AMVETS Post 72 and sponsored by Hawkeye Image LLC and Disabled American Veterans.
The fundraiser will open at 2:00 p.m. The cost to attend the event is $15 per person just by entering the event. Advance tickets will not be sold. Children, active duty and reserve military with ID eat free at the event.
Bendler said proceeds will benefit subsequent activities to help local veterans, such as the holiday gift program and the party.
“Today we installed a wheelchair ramp for a WWII vet. That’s the kind of thing the money goes to,” Bendler said on Aug. 12.
Bendler said that while AMVETS has hosted some sort of end-of-summer cookout in the past, this year he wanted to try to attract more public participation. He said that COVID-19 has affected public awareness on post and the goal of the barbecue is to raise the profile of AMVETS as well as raise funds for AMVETS causes.
“We want to get back on the map, let the community know we’re here, let them know we’re up and running. We’re back. COVID really hit us, and this is the first really big event since COVID,” Bendler said. “It’s our event, to end summer and get ready for winter and Halloween and everything to come, to let people know what’s going on and the events coming up and that AMVETS is the place to be “.
Taking into account the objective of greater public participation, the AMVETS community barbecue will include activities for children and adults, a raffle, dining room and other entertainment activities. Kids can enjoy bounce houses and potentially games like kickball, while adults participate in horseshoes and cornhole games.
Adult games could include a minimal cost to participate, Bendler said.
Tickets will be sold for a 50/50 drawing.
The event dining room menu will include pulled pork, hot dogs, hamburgers, beans, potato salad, watermelon, octopus, water and juice. Those at least 21 can get drink specials and beer at the bar, Bendler said.
Bendler said the post is now back to regular hours, 2 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. While COVID-19 eliminated regular hours and help was difficult to hire, the current goal is to return to a seven-day-a-week open schedule, Bendler said.
The cost to join AMVETS Post 72 is $39 per year for any discharged veteran or $39 per year to join the Women’s Auxiliary or Sons of AMVETS. Memorial Day is traditionally a big event for the post because it involves parade participation and services at local cemeteries, Bendler said.
Nicole Tuttle is a freelance reporter for MediaNews Group.
