Steeleville American Legion Riders' Post 480 begins operations
<span>Steeleville's newest not-for-profit organization is dedicated helping raise money for Veterans and Veteran-related causes.</span>
<span>Steeleville American Legion Riders' Post 480 held its first official meeting in May and already has 22 members and three events scheduled. Of the members, 10 are Veterans and 12 are sons or daughters of Veterans.</span>
<span>Vice director is Don Hatcher, secretary is DeAnna Weinhoffer and treasurer is Donnie Gaetz.</span>
<span>"We do benefits and get donations to give to local disabled Veterans," said Marc Weinhoffer, director of ALR Post 480. "We're not a motorcycle club, we're a Veterans organization."</span>
<span>The organization has a bike show event scheduled for Saturday at the Steeleville American Legion from noon to 4 p.m. and is also gearing up for a July 31 outdoor concert event featuring a performance of the "The Brat Pack."</span>
<span>"They're a total 80s band, ranked No. 1 in Chicago," Weinhoffer said. "We're also hoping to present four or five disabled Veterans with an award of appreciation for their service."</span>
<span>Weinhoffer said he does not yet know the names of the Veterans who will be honored.</span>
<span>"If families request, we also do funerals," Weinhoffer said. "That's not one of the fun parts of our job. We do escorts and color guard."</span>
<span>Weinhoffer said future events could include a sporting clay tournament, fishing tournament and golf tournament.</span>
<span>"We are trying to make a showing," he said. "To us, it's all about the Veterans."</span>
<span>Long-term, Weinhoffer said it is the organization's intent to try and raise $40,000 to be used for an event featuring a "mainstream entertainer."</span>
<span>"The money we make off it gets divided among the Fisher House Foundation, The Haven, Illinois Veterans' Home in Anna and Jefferson Barracks," he said.</span>
<span>The Fisher House Foundation provides free or low-cost lodging to Veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical facilities, while The Haven is a day lodge in Carbondale that focuses on relaxation and rehabilitation of Veterans.</span>
<span>For more information, or how to join, contact Weinhoffer at 618-708-2812.</span>