Dawn Gilbert, Chairman
Veterans may qualify for county, state, and federal benefits for education, service-related injuries, and disabilities. But while that assistance is being processed, everyday expenses do not wait. Grocery costs, gas, and utility bills can quickly pile up.
That gap is where local support can make a difference. As Unit 221 member and quilt designer Denise Schubert put it, “Sometimes it’s the little battle wins that keep people going.”
For three years, the John A. Mortenson American Legion Auxiliary Unit 221 in Frankfort has turned that idea into action through an annual patriotic quilt raffle. The proceeds go to the Benzie County Veterans Affairs Office, where County Service Officer Karen Korolenko uses them to provide gas and grocery cards, help with utility bills, and meet other immediate needs.
This year’s raffle raised $2,530, bringing Unit 221’s three-year total to $7,530 for Benzie County veterans.
At the center of the fundraiser was a quilt created by Denise Schubert, who designed and stitched the quilt top, while her friend and patriot Nancy Morris completed the quilting. Together, they donated the finished quilt to Unit 221 for the raffle.
Unit 221 sold raffle tickets for $5 each with help from community partners, including the veteran-owned Sweets Bar and Grill in Honors. The restaurant displayed the quilt, promoted the raffle on Facebook, sold tickets, and purchased $100 worth of tickets.
The local farmers market provided Unit 221 with a free booth to sell tickets, while Bayside Printing Shop donated promotional cards and raffle tickets. Their contributions helped make the raffle a true community effort.
Through the work of Unit 221 and its community partners, this year’s $2,530 can help put groceries on the table, gas in the tank, and keep utilities running for Benzie County veterans while they wait for longer-term assistance.