VFW Post 3619 is kicking off its annual raffle drawing this weekend. The grand prize winner of this year's raffle will ride away on a 2007 Honda VTX 1300cc motorcycle that comes complete with a trailer. This grand prize is valued at $10,200.

    Other prizes include a camouflage golf bag for second place, and a third place winner will receive a handmade Patriotic quilt.

    Tickets are now available at $10 each and can be purchased from any VFW member. The drawing will be held on the last day of the Beauregard Parish Fair.

    In addition to the raffle, the VFW is planning a garage sale to be held in their hall at 1115 Highway 27. The sale is scheduled for Saturday, September 6th and they are asking the public for donations of clothing, furniture, baby items, toys and etc. to be sold at the sale.

    Donations are being accepted at the Post until August 29th and they may be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Donations may also be dropped off on Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    Secretary for the VFW, Denise Hoffpauir, commented on the amount of donations they have received up to this point. "So far we've done well, but hopefully we can still get more," she says.

    Also, large 8x11 tables are available to be rented for $30.00 for anyone who wishes to sell their own items, such as crafts.

    The VFW funds many projects in the community, and these fundraisers allow them to do that. The VFW supports the local boy scout and cub scout troops as well as The Council on Aging. One of the VFW's biggest projects is the Voices of Democracy scholarship, in which they supply a scholarship to the student who wins the statewide essay writing contest.

    Senior Vice Commander, Bobby Durham explains that the VFW uses every penny given to them. "Everything we get, we give away," he says. The VFW also strives to support needy veterans in whatever way is needed.

    According to Hoffpauir, the Post's main income has been through their bingo nights and this August has a full calendar. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. every Friday night, and at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday nights.

    At a recent planning session, the VFW also decided to rent out their large hall. They have hosted weddings and wedding receptions in the past, but any individual may use the hall for their purpose.

    Anyone who wishes to inquire about these events may contact Hoffpauir at 463-3977 or 463-5911.