Letter to Editor:
At a recently held Ely American Legion Post meeting, its members agreed to pursue the purchase of a food trailer. The food trailer would be used to prepare and sell brats, burgers, chicken wings and other foods, while events, such as the July Fourth Parade, the Blueberry/Art Festival, the Walleye Whamma and the Fun Run are held in Ely, Babbitt, Tower and other nearby communities.
American Legion Post 248, Lozar-Mrace-Loushin, is a 501(c)(19) veteran’s organization based in Ely. It was organized and has been in existence since October 6, 1919. Steve Saari serves as the Commander, Gerald M. Tyler serves as the Post Adjutant and Eric Mayranen serves as the Vice Commander and Chaplain. Its members meet monthly in its meeting room in the Ely City Hall. Our membership today is about 105.
Ely American Legion Post’s Mission Post 248 exists to serve area veterans, their families and our community. Post 248 donates money to veterans in need of help and to many organizations and causes, including the Ely High School Grad Party; the Ely High School Scholarship Fund; the Marine Corps Birthday Party; United Way of Northeastern Minnesota Family Retreat; the Ely School Patrol Week in Legionville; a donation to the Ely Elementary School; donations to pay the expenses incurred to conduct the Memorial Day Ceremony; donations to purchase candy to distribute to the children attending the July 4th Parade in Ely; donations to the American Legion Baseball Association; and still others such as to Vets on the Lake Resort.
Ely American Legion Post 248 is in need of financial support Post 248 members presently pay annual dues of $45. The dues are shared with the American Legion National and State Chapter and the Legion Hospital and the Minnesota 8th District dues. From the $45, $42.50 is retained by the State Chapter leaving Post 248 with $2.50 per member, which does not even cover our administrative expenses, such as postage.
The net proceeds from the sale of food from a food trailer would expand our cash flow and allow us to provide more help to needy veterans, their families and other worthy organizations.
The cost of a food trailer The cost of purchasing a new food trailer is expected to be approximately $54,000. We intend to use $10,000 of the Post’s funds on deposit to apply to the purchase price. We have applied to the IRRRB for a matching grant of $27,000. If the grant from the IRRRB is forthcoming, and assuming a purchase price of $54,000, our Post 248 will need to raise to raise $17,000.
American Legion Post members will soon commence a fund drive and begin to raise funds from members of the community. Donations received from individuals and organizations are 100% tax deductible. Anyone who wishes to contribute may mail their tax deductible donation to Ely American Legion Post 248, PO Box 508, Ely, MN 55731.
Thank you, Gerald M. Tyler Ely American Legion Post 248, Ely, MN
