Legion awards prizes, sales hit $8,000

BY JEFF B. FLINN Managing Editor

Three supporters of local American Legion Post 313 received early Christmas gifts, taking part in one of the Post’s most lucrative fundraisers to date Post members spent two months selling raffle tickets -- many dealt to the public from a booth outside the Black Rifle Coffee Company in Boerne, where a half-dozen American Legion members met on Monday to draw the winning names.

The Post, which began in Boerne about 3½ years ago, made $8,000 from the 2,000 raffle tickets it sold.

'This was the largest fundraiser we’ve made this year, and one of the largest the American Legion has done in recent years,” Dan Weis, Post 313 commander, said.

The Legion began the ticket sales in October “and we stopped two weeks ago because we ran out of tickets. We didn’t want to go over 2,000, and water down their chances of winning,” Weis said.

The $8,000 “gave us enough funds for what we want to do. We can do everything we budgeted for, and cover a few things we must fund,” he added.

Among its community efforts was a recent $500 donation to the Blue Santa program.

“We also donated pizzas from around the community and brought them to the volunteers for the Blue Santa program,” he said. “So, some of this (money) is not staying with us, but going back into the community, which is what the American Legion does.”

Weis said the raffle, its presence at the Christmas Market Days on Main Plaza, and booths at such events as car shows and the recent annular eclipse, help spread word of not who the Legion serves, but how it gives back to the community.

“We want to ensure everyone knows what the American Legion can do, because we’re a community- based organization,” he said.

Kyle Stanbro, second vice commander for the post, was on hand for the drawing. “We’re here to support veterans of all branches, all eras. If someone has a problem, please contact the legion and let us see how we can help you,” Stanbro said.

“Because we have over 1 million members, when we go testify in front of Congress for V.A. rights and V.A. benefits, we represent a million voters,” Stanbro said. “The more people that join the American Legion, the more power we have when we go testify on their behalf.”

Lloyd Voigt’s name was drawn as winner of a new Texas Edition Henry Lever-Action .22LR Rifle. Second place, a Model 1911A Service .45 ACP pistol, went to Bart Royball. John Eaton won a Jessie and James brand concealed carry leather handbag.

TheAmerican Legion post meets the second Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at The Center, Kronkosky Place, at 17 Old San Antonio Road in Boerne.

Anyone who needs help, or knows of a veteran who could use help, can call the post at 830-388-5268. Potential members can call the number or reach Weis, Stanbro and the rest of the post at [email protected].