Above / Judge Don Hennessey is pictured here with folks who visited Hines V.A. Hospital to spread holiday cheer in 2011. For 2015, the bus departs at 6:15PM Tues., Dec. 8. All are welcome.
Turkey Raffle is Nov. 21
Kathy Thornton, senior vice of the Judd Kendall Ladies Auxiliary, recently reminded friends that the annual Turkey Raffle begins at 6PM Sat., Nov. 21, 2015.
And to Thornton’s heads-up, Mike Barbour had a few words about the importance of the annual event that welcomes the public.
After a meaningful Veterans Day along with all the much-appreciated tributes and thank yous from citizens and businesses, Barbour noted he’s revved up to engage veterans in more volunteer service by helping at the Turkey Raffle. The annual benefit social event helps to fund the operations of the facility that is home to Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and the American Legion Post 43, a popular meeting place all year around for service organizations and events such as the Friday Night Fish Fry every week during Lent.
“This Saturday night is the Turkey Raffle which is our biggest fundraiser,” said the post spokesman. “Raffles will be for turkeys, prime ribs and many other prizes. It’s a fun time to relax and enjoy the evening with family and friends.”
According to Barbour, “190 turkeys are ready to be won and eaten at Thanksgiving.” Prime Ribs as well as various meats and cheeses also will be raffled.
The dinner event from 6-9PM is an action-filled raffle fundraiser for the care and maintenance of the post facility, located along the Riverwalk near the Grand Pavilion.
The menu will be provided by the Ladies Auxiliary.
“The Ladies Auxiliary will also have some great prizes available,” Barbour added.
The event is free of admission charge, but big bucks are welcome for the purchase of very long strips of raffle tickets, organizers said.
“Tell all your friends, relatives and enemies about this event,” quipped Barbour.
Meeting space available
Throughout the year, the VFW provides space for rental to many community groups, birthday parties, memorial events, candidate meet-and-greets and so on.
For instance, on the second Tuesday of most months, the Naperville Jaycees meet at 7:30PM upstairs at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, located at 908 W. Jackson. They often present monthly donations to local nonprofit agencies with proceeds from their fundraisers such as Last Fling.
During recent meetings, members of the service organization have been planning their holiday food basket program and other upcoming activities and projects that will help make the season brighter for many families in need.
For information about the Naperville Jaycees, visit www.naperjaycees.org.
Visit veterans, play Bingo
Also scheduled on the second Tuesday from September through June, local citizens meet up with veterans at 6:15PM in the VFW Post Canteen, ready to depart to Hines V.A. Hospital via the comfort of a motorcoach.
Organized by John Shaw, the public is invited to join the group that travels to the hospital in Maywood to visit with veterans receiving treatment in the Spinal Unit at Hines. They play Bingo, distribute hand-made greeting cards of cheer and appreciation from local students as well as pass out lap blankets and engage in friendly conversation.
Upon their return to Naperville, usually by 9:30PM, they stop by the canteen again to regroup and share a few new memories about the experience.
On Tues., Dec. 8, the group heads to Hines for its annual sing-along of holiday songs.
And afterward when the bus returns to Naperville, the carolers celebrate the season with a little singing in the canteen back at the Judd Kendall VFW.
For more information about the committees and programs offered by members of the award-winning Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, visit www.napervfw3873.org.
