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VFW raises $1,200 for local veterans

The Andrews Journal - 4/26/2017

As the sun set Friday, the Steve Jordan Band and Andrews Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7620 turned up the volume for a night of dancing, singing and fundraising at Jimmy's Pick N Grin just off U.S. 19/74.

Through entrance fees, independent donations, cake auction and 50/50 raffle, the Andrews VFW raised about $1,200. Funds gathered during the event will going toward assisting local veterans with transportation and other basic needs.

Steve Jordan, owner of Jimmy's Pick N Grin, initially reached out to the Andrews VFW about holding the fundraiser.

"My dad was a huge supporter of the military and VFW," Jordan said. "I felt like he would love for me to support the VFW post."

Jordan said he wants to make the event an annual occurrence. The VFW post is welcome to use his place for raising money any time, free of charge.

After about 30 minutes of dancing at the event, Andrews VFW Commander J.D. Baker took the stage. He started off by thanking everyone for attending the fundraiser then, to the audience's surprise, he remained on stage for a lively performance.

Baker took hold of the microphone like he had done it a million times, letting his vocal pipes and charisma run rampant while Jordan's band played in the background. He sang the song "Stormy Monday," astonishing many VFW members with his stage presence and voice.

"I was surprised," VFW volunteer Bonnie Moore said. "I didn't know he could sing."

Baker said it was the first time he sang with a band in four years. When living in Houston, Texas, he was a part of a soul band.

The night of fundraising continued with a cake auction, with all of the desserts baked by the wives of VFW members.

Jordan took on the role as the auctioneer, using humor and sale tactics with every cake. The hummingbird cake adorned in spring flower decorations received the highest bid of $65.

Larry Thunder Wolf Limon soothed the crowd with his Native American flute playing. Like most of his performances, he played an original impromptu song during the event. If people want to hear an original song again from him, he said they would need to record it because he never plays the same piece twice.

The VFW held a drawing for the 50/50 raffle, presenting a gift of $75 to the winner. As soon as local tap dancer Larry Queen was awarded the money, he quickly donated it back to the VFW.

"They deserve it," he said, and everyone else seemed to agree.