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By Crystal Reith The Slayton American Legion Auxiliary drew a full house for its first ever table setting event, held October 11 at the 4-H building in Slayton.
The event was coordinated by Auxiliary Vice President and Membership Chair Merry Hollis, who has served the organization for 16 years. Hollis presented the idea to fellow auxiliary members after learning that a similar event in Walnut Grove ended last year.
“I brought up the idea to see if there was any interest in trying it here,” Hollis said. “We thought we would be thrilled if we got five or 10 tables. We ended up with 20. The place was jammed packed. There were tons of people and it was tons of fun.”
Planning began in April, and Auxiliary members worked together to organize the event and secure food, door prizes and raffle items. Members provided 15 themed baskets and several door prizes, most donated by members, their families and friends. The latest styles from Dianne’s Dockside Boutique were also featured in a fashion show, and each table, decorated with unique designs and themes, were created by area businesses, organizations and members.
Proceeds from the event will support several of the auxiliary’s ongoing initiatives, including the Eagle’s Healing Nest veterans facilities, Girls State, and local veterans and their programs. The Slayton American Legion Auxiliary, which has 44 members, also supports the Luverne Veterans Home, local 4-H programs, and the “Hearts and Hands” program.
While the Auxiliary plans to review the event at their next meeting on November 10, Hollis is happy with the results.
“We’re all pretty stoked about it. It turned out so successful. We’re just so happy,” said Hollis. “We appreciate the community and our veterans. Thrivent’s donation and the grocery store’s discounts helped us defray costs and we appreciate that very much.”
The group’s next major project will be encouraging local high school juniors to apply for Girls State at Bethel University in June. The Auxiliary sponsors area juniors to attend the weeklong leadership program where participants have the opportunity to learn about a democratic society, debate issues, visit the Capitol and form lifelong friendships.
Anyone interested in joining the Slayton American Legion Auxiliary can contact Hollis, Auxiliary President Sharon Mc-Clure or speak with any Auxiliary member. Meetings are held monthly, usually the second Tuesday, at the Southwest Regional Development Building in Slayton.
