Committee members heard a presentation about a joint Knights of Columbus and American Legion fundraiser scheduled for Feb. 28 at the Monsignor Place/Spartan Center. The event will feature casino tables inside and domino tables outside (in the porte-cochere), a cigar bar and a tapas bar; organizers said they expect ticket and sponsorship revenue to benefit both organizations and their charitable causes.

Sponsors and logistics: Organizers said they already have at least one sponsor (Advocate Health) and that sponsors will receive tiered recognition (bronze, silver, gold) on participant straps and event materials. The committee discussed ticketing, chip distribution for simulated casino play and food and beverage arrangements. Staff noted the committee will aim to make tickets affordable for veterans where possible and explore in-kind donations such as bottled water or alcohol from donors.

Patriot Day flag planting: Committee members also discussed a request from Anna Soto (contact at Barbara Coleman High School / National Junior Honor Society) about planting flags for Patriot Day (Sept. 11). Members said much of the flag material used in prior years had deteriorated and that the event had been moved previously to the public safety committee. Committee members agreed to connect Anna Soto with public safety staff so the public safety committee can consider taking on flag planting coordination; one committee member said they would pass Anna’s contact information along.

Water sponsorship and thank-you letters: Separately, members noted that Headquarter Toyota agreed to be the water sponsor for the Veterans Safeway event and would provide approximately 3,000 bottles. Committee members also reviewed thank-you letters from recent scholarship recipients and discussed scanning them into the committee archives.

Next steps: Organizers will continue to solicit sponsors and ticket buyers for the Feb. 28 fundraiser, staff will connect Anna Soto with public safety staff for Patriot Day coordination, and the committee will record the Headquarter Toyota water sponsorship in event materials.