The American Legion Palm Valley post 233 hosted a community event to raise money for veteran affairs recently in conjunction with V Pizza’s V for Victory foundation.
The Palm Valley American Legion is a second home not only for many local veterans but dozens of community-centric scholarships, foundations and outreach programs. During the pandemic’s lockdown period, the post 233 closed and has been struggling to get back on its feet.
“This means more to us then you can ever know,” said commander Caroline Merillat. “Some of the members here have been members for many, many years. When we had to shut down because of COVID-19, everyone was devastated. We were all worried what we were going to be able to do to be able to survive.”
The event, “V for Veterans,” managed to raise $21,000 for the post from more than 20 sponsors and attendees who enjoyed live music and a dinner from V Pizza, who brought their large brick oven to donate handmade pies.
“We are not just a bar,” Merillat said. “We are a veteran service organization, made up of veterans and designed to service veterans. If our doors are not open, we cannot serve our veterans… The community really showed up to support post 233, it was unbelievable. I don’t have words to adequately express how grateful we are.”
The American Legion Palm Valley post 233 is located at 560 N. Wilderness Trail. For more information, follow them on Facebook or visit www.al233fl.org.
