The American Legion Post 2008 and its legion family ó Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Riders ó will be hosting fundraising events this fall, the first of which is a poker run benefiting the Fresh Start Center (formerly High Plains Helping Hands).The ALR groupís poker run takes place Sept. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting at the Fresh Start Center, 7375 Adventure Way (off Woodmen Road, east of Powers Boulevard) and ending at Redís American Grill in Falcon. Riders of any vehicles (motorcycle not required) receive a poker chip and punch card at the start of the ride, with designated stops along the way to collect more chips and complete a poker hand. The highest hand at the end wins a monetary prize.The Auxiliary is an arm of the American Legion for spouses of military members. They will sell butter braids in October as a fundraiser for veteransí services. Jennifer Kendig, a member and former vice president of the Auxiliary, said this fundraiser has been repeated for several years.The Wreaths Across America Mobile Educational Exhibit will be in Colorado Springs Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 1125 W. Moreno Avenue. Both the American Legion Post and the Auxiliary place wreaths at local cemeteries during Wreaths Across America, which takes place Dec. 17, with ceremonies at multiple cemeteries. The Auxiliary supports Pikes Peak National Cemetery at 10545 Drennan Road and American Legion Post 2008 supports the Eastonville Cemetery at 12558 Meridian Road in Black Forest.Fundraising activities that do not benefit local charities help support the work of the Legion in helping veterans. Kendig said they have helped veterans in many ways, including assistance with loss of home after a fire, moving, utility bills and health care expenses. ìWe have people we can contact to get people some help,î she said. ìWe will partner, call other veteransí groups, and there is somebody that can give them a hand.îMembership in the American Legion is limited to veterans. ìIf you have a serving heart, come join us Ö membership provides camaraderie where veterans can meet other people that served,î Kendig said. ìIf thereís something they feel they canít talk to with family or friends about their service, they can call someone. Most of our veterans know what theyíre feeling.îThe American Legion meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at Patriot Learning Center, 11990 Swingline Road in Peyton. The Riders meet the second Friday of every month at Latigo in Elbert. The Auxiliary meets at different locations.The American Legion Post 2008 website ó https://www.legionpost2008.com ó offers more information about membership, meeting days and locations.
