Nations Veterans at heart of American Legion 332 Ladies Auxiliary Little Black Dress party

MARIANNE MUELLER PHOTO The Herald
Little Black Dress Chair Margaret Forsell teamed up with Deb Hart, Deb Pontenberg, Jeannie Hansen, Vicki Lynn, Kathy Sarver and Sheila Griffin. Togehter the ladies put together the second annual Little Black Dress party in support of our nations veterans. Both Little Black Dress party events were highly successful in reaching goals set by the Rockton Legion #332’s Ladies Auxiliary.

Nations Veterans at heart of American Legion 332 Ladies Auxiliary Little Black Dress party
By Marianne Mueller
REPORTER
Last year the Rockton American #332 Legion Ladies Auxiliary and Legion family raised enough money to send two Veterans on a Vet’s Roll trip, furnished an apartment and helped with food relief. These actions only tap the surface of what Legion Auxiliary members do year round.
Continuing these great works the second annual Little Black Dress party was held on Saturday evening, Feb. 9 at the American Center.
Kevin Burns of Good Vibrations kept laughter and fun rolling all night long as the events emcee. Burns recognized the committee: Chair-Margaret Forsell teamed up with Kathy Staver, Sheila Griffin, Deb Potenberg, Jeannie Hansen, Deb Hart and Vicki Lynn.
Followed by a cocktail hour- a nice buffet dinner was made by the talented Mike Hall featuring prime rib, cheesy potatoes, salad, bread and a vegetable medley. Dessert was chosen off of a detailed cupcake display lovingly designed by Josie Ostler.
Young volunteers Kamryn and Kyliegh Rogers lent a hand by clearing dishes after the dinner.
Emcee Burns opened the fun by playing a form of the “Newlywed Game” with the Mr. and Mrs. Auction couples. Questions asked by Burns included-“What is your wife’s favorite flower, who works harder, who drives better, and whose feet are colder. Laughter erupted as Burns asked, “If you can train your wife like a dog every time you snap your fingers you would like her to do blank?
Mr. and Mrs. Auction participants were: Gino and Katie Ciaroni, Rich and Mary Lewis and Ryan and Christy Sullivan.
Following a brief bio of each Mr. and Mrs. Auction participant excitement arose as heart shape paddles raised in the air leading to bids on each individual person in these couples. As a surprise August Christopher was volunteered by his wife to be auctioned. Mr. Christopher brought in $310.
Throughout the evening two fifty- fifty raffles took place, numerous Door prizes were drawn and a silent auction was held. Three Grand Prize winners were chosen. First prize was a foursome of golf at the Beloit Country Club, Second place- Cubs vs Brewers in Milwaukee with VIP parking and Third prize was Pandora earrings, a necklace and a clutch from the Gem Shop &Diamond Source.
Burns asked Veterans in the room to stand and be recognized. Well earned, respectful applause filled the room.
As Burns put on various tunes dancing added even more fun to the overall Little Black Dress party.
Expanding on forms of outreach already in action part of the funds will be used to purchase specialty indoor furniture for the Veterans Home in LaSalle Peru, plus catered meals for Veterans who reside there. Year-round the ladies of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 332 give back to Veterans and their families. In May of 2019 plans are to give to Vet’s Roll again. The Auxiliary is also sends ‘Welcome Home’ items to newly discharged soldiers who are only given $25 toward setting up new living quarters.