Drinks were flowing and guests were laughing at North Mankato American Legion Auxiliary Unit 518’s Shop and Sip this Saturday, but in addition to being a good time for its guests, the event also raised thousands for area veterans and charities.
Event coordinator Deb Maus said the event, which takes place in the spring and in the fall, usually raises just under $2,000.
That money will go towards organizations like MACV — which aims to end veteran homelessness — the Nicollet and Blue Earth County service officers and such area nonprofits as ECHO Food Shelf and CADA.
“I think they look forward every year to us,” Maus said. “They know that it’s coming.”
A bake sale, wine tasting and silent auction were among activities waiting for attendees to take part in.
With around five years of hosting the event under her belt, Maus said the community looks forward to putting it together.
“When I organize this, I just send out a call or I send out text messages to people and say you helped us last year, can you help again?” she said.
“I only have to do (that) to a few people, but all the sudden we had so many silent auction items that people just brought in without me even asking.”
Unit 518 Auxiliary President Lisa Roberts said members and regular guests of the American Legion donate the silent auction items.
She added that they tend to look for charities that help families and children.
Saturday’s event brought in a busy crowd.
“Our bake sale has almost sold out already, and some people come for that. They come for the wine tasting. They come for the socialization, getting to see their friends,” Roberts said.
Sonja Frye, second vice president of the auxiliary, said they’re always very busy and it’s two hours of raising a lot of money for veterans in the area.
“It feels really good to give back because we love our veterans here and we’re very thankful for everything they’ve done for our country,” she said.