Legion Post 622 holds first event
by JENNIFER SIKORA Assistant Copy Editor

Sally Dean, left, former president of the George F. Lamm American Legion Post 622 Ladies Auxiliary, and member Mary Ann Bush sell baked goods on April 12 to help raise funds benefiting Mercy Flight and the post's building fund. Photo by John Rusac

It takes dedication and a group effort to put a fundraising event together and to have the outcome be successful.

The Sons of the Legion George F. Lamm Post 622 accomplished just that on April 12 by holding an "indoor garage sale" to help raise funds for both Mercy Flight and the Lamm Post building fund.

The first-time event for the post was held at 9962 Wehrle Drive in Williamsville, at the Lamm Manor and Grove Banquet Facilities.

Sons of the Legion Post Commander Bob Krawczyk said hundreds of people came to the event between 9 a.m and 3 p.m., making the sale a big success.

The event, which raised more than $1,500, included more than 45 tables with vendors from Mercy Flight, the post and the Lamm Post Ladies Auxiliary, who helped by selling baked goods.

Mercy Flight answered questions and handed out toy helicopters. A raffle of donated baskets, a lottery wheel and a super prize DVD also complemented the event.

The idea for the indoor garage sale was proposed by treasurer Mark Koeppel and member Karl Maier.

The Sons of the Legion was started in October, receiving acknowledgement from Western New York Legion sources as having one of the highest memberships for a new league. At that time, there were 16 members.

"The great members we have will rock the area with a wave of events to build our membership, help our area and do something positive for everyone," said Krawczyk.

Krawczyk said two new members have joined the league recently - bringing the number to 18 - with one new member being a vendor at the garage sale who applied for membership.

It all started for Krawczyk and the other members when a bunch of them would come to the Grove for "Happy Hour."

He said they all began talking about it and agreed to start a Sons of Legion Post. Although it took time and lots of paperwork, they finally accomplished their goal.

"It's a cool thing to help veterans and keep it going," he said.

The post is planning to hold another garage sale on Sunday, Sept. 21, with both indoor and outdoor tables available along with a chicken barbecue.

On Saturday, May 3, a dance titled "Cell Phones for Soldiers" will be held to help benefit soldiers in Iraq.

The cell phones that are donated will be recycled to create phone cards for the soldiers. Music will be played by four different polka bands: The Bedrock Boys, Nickel City Notes, Jerry Darlak & the Touch, and The New Yorkers. The bands will donate an hour of their time for the event. Admission is $8, but bring an old cell phone and the cost is only $3.

For eligibility information regarding Sons of the Legion membership, visit the Web site www. lammpost. com.