Above / With fond memories of good times stuffed with camaraderie by the number, members of the VFW Post 3873 and Auxiliary are set to host their annual Turkey Raffle on Nov. 18, 2023. Save the date! (PN File Photo, Used Again!)
Update for Turkey Raffle 2023 / This year’s Turkey Raffle begins at 6PM Sat., Nov. 18. Come one, come all, for the fun of gobblers for everyone.
Updated Post, Nov. 19 2022 / Once a turkey… Then came the rest of the photos by Jim Hoch with his comments… “It looked to me like this was a super successful Turkey Raffle tonight… LOTS of people both upstairs and down, and everyone was having a great time.”
Updated Post, Nov. 18, 2022 / To answer numerous inquiries, admission to attend the annual Turkey Raffle is free of charge. However, this Turkey Raffle is an important friend- and-fund raising event at the VFW, hosted by the VFW Post 3873 and Auxiliary. All generosity is appreciated.
Upstairs, the cash bar as well as ticket sales to participate in a variety of raffles and auctions will serve the fundraising event.
According to Chef Terrell Cole, owner of Dark Horse Catering and food purveyor for the evening, the dinner menu will include a variety of eight choices from $6 to $12. For instance, a bowl of smoked brisket chili will be $6.
On the main level, the Canteen also will be open.
Original Post, Oct. 17, 2022 / Veterans and the Naperville community are reminded that the annual Turkey Raffle begins at 6PM Sat., Nov. 19, 2022, at the Judd Kendall VFW Post, 908 W. Jackson Avenue. The public is welcome to attend.
Be prepared for an evening of cheers, packed with enthusiastic barkers selling raffle tickets among fun-loving revelers, all eager to take home prized turkeys, slabs of prime rib and holiday gift baskets when the three-hour Turkey Raffle returns to the VFW just in time for Thanksgiving. The evening also offers many folks a chance to win the 50-50 Raffle.
Prize-winning numbers will match up to take home turkeys, meats and gift baskets during the popular fundraiser that typically attracts several hundred supporters for fun and camaraderie to benefit the physical needs of the VFW post, upstairs and downstairs.
Organizers promise turkeys and prime rib will be featured in the raffle. In addition the Auxiliary will put together many gift baskets chock full of “themed” items available for a silent auction.
Food will be prepared by Terrell Cole of Dark Horse Catering in Naperville. Cash bars will be available. The Canteen also will be open.
Recognizing that the past few years have been a difficult time for many local restaurants and businesses, organizers are especially grateful to all merchants throughout the local community for supporting Veterans’ events whenever possible.
Purchase raffle tickets during event at VFW
Raffle tickets will be for sale during the Turkey Raffle at the VFW Post 3873, 908 W. Jackson Avenue.
Spirited barkers will sell raffle tickets for turkeys ($1/each), prime rib ($5/each), 50/50 ($5/each) and a number of prize packages sponsored by Auxiliary members ($1/each). And the popular Booze Raffle will return. Look for other prize raffle surprises, too.
Turkey Raffle benefits programs and operations of VFW
The annual benefit helps to fund the operations of the facility with its canteen, home to Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and socials for the American Legion Post 43. The VFW is the place where many year-round programs are planned and held to ensure the care of Veterans and their families.
The facility with its large banquet room, Kendall Hall, also is a popular meeting place throughout the year for service organizations such as the Naperville Jaycees, Naperville Responds for Veterans, and events such as the post’s Friday Night Fish Fry every week during Lent.
The enclosed back porch is another much-used space for meetings and social events.
Kendall Hall also is available for rent. With its large parking lot, local residents find it convenient for fundraisers, birthday and anniversary parties, baby and bridal showers, wedding receptions, family reunions, memorial luncheons and any time space for up to 250 individuals is needed.
For more information about the Turkey Raffle, the VFW Auxiliary and other programs provided by the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, visit www.napervfw3873.org.
Meanwhile, remember Veterans Day always is Nov. 11
The annual Veterans Day recognition will be held at 11AM Fri., Nov. 11, aka “11-11-11,” at Veterans Park, located at 303 E. Gartner Road. The public is invited to the brief ceremony with a tribute to all Veterans who serve honorably to protect the United States and its Constitution. No matter where you stand, “11-11-11” is a time to pause and reflect wherever you are at that moment with thoughts for public safety and world peace.
The annual Veterans Day Dinner on Nov. 11 is now accepting reservations. RSVP by Nov. 9, 2022, with a call to Kristen Jungles at (630) 816-5841 or via email at kristenjungles@kw.com.
