A spaghetti dinner that helps military veterans is on the menu when the Newport Elks Lodge stages a fundraiser for the Oregon Coast Veterans Association from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, April 13.
The dinner features an all-you-can-eat meal including spaghetti and meat sauce, green salad, bread sticks and dessert for $10. No reservations are needed.
All proceeds benefit the OCVA’s activities to support veterans, including educational scholarships, holiday food baskets for veteran families, and emergency aid for food, housing, utility bills and transportation.
“Everything that comes in goes right back out to our veterans,” said OCVA president Rick Booth of Waldport. The Navy veteran, who is also past president of South Lincoln Resources, says that the group’s funds are “a little down. We need to get back in our fundraising role so we can help the veterans who have helped us all.”
In addition to the fundraising dinner, OCVA is also ramping up its public appeals for support. Donation canisters will be in place at the Waldport Wednesday Market on the second Wednesday of each month (except for May, when the association be present May 15), and at the Newport Farmers Market every fourth Saturday.
“Come and have a bite to eat, meet the veterans and support them,” Booth said. For those who can’t stay for the dinner, donation drop-offs will be welcomed. OCVA is a 501c(3) non-profit, so donations should be tax deductible. Mail-in donation checks can be sent to OCVA, P.O. Box 311, Depoe Bay, Ore. 97391.
The group meets at noon the second Saturday of each month at the Elks lodge, 45 S.E. Moore Drive, Newport.
