The Limestone American Legion Memorial Post 1560 is holding a benefit to honor and support female veterans. The benefit, intended to support the brave women who have served and continue to serve in the Armed Services, will begin at noon Saturday at 941 North Main Street in Limestone, N.Y., and will have musicians performing until 10 p.m.
Legion member Mary Grogan and her colleagues have been working on plans for this event for two years. Originally planned for April of 2020, the event had to be postponed due to COVID-19.
“It’s been a labor of love,” she said. She explained that the event has received unbelievable support, with donations for raffles pouring in and musicians willing to perform for a good cause.
For a $10 donation, those who attend can purchase beef on weck with macaroni salad or an Italian sausage sandwich with macaroni salad.
Over 50 baskets have been donated to be raffled to lucky winners during the event. Gift certificates to Randy’s Up the RIver, Bradford Auto and Burger King and more will also be raffled off, along with a handmade bench, a handmade quilt, an end table, a blanket, Buffalo Bills fire ring and a Home Depot Tool bag with tools.
The event is planned for outdoors, so Grogan is hopeful the weather will fall into line before Saturday.
Representatives from the Women’s program at the Erie VA will be at the event from noon to 2:30 p.m., providing information and forms for any female veterans who are interested in seeing if they are eligible for benefits.
Females currently make up 20% of our military. Sadly, female veterans are 250% more likely than their male counterparts to commit suicide. They are also among the fastest growing segment of the nation’s homeless population.
Smitty the DJ, the Dive Bar Duo, Red Grey, Tim Hanchett and Alex Cole are set to perform. All musicians donated their time to the event.
“I’m very pleased,” Grogan said. “It’s been worth the hard work.”
The proceeds from the benefit will go to WoVeN, the Women’s Veteran Network, which is a national organization whose mission is to provide a unique social network for female veterans to foster connections and build relationships in local communities. The staff of WoVeN has worked with female veterans for years and saw the power of connection and the difficulty connecting with others, introducing the idea for the network, which is nearing the end of its fourth year helping connect female veterans.
