Raising Funds for Payson Veterans Home with "Music from the Heart"

Pictured (left-right): Glenn Bradford of the American Legion, Tintic VFW Commander Lloyd Conder, Utah Elks Veterans Chairman Robert Pagnani, Ms. Spanish Fork Pageant contestant, Alex Houghton, and Randy Edward, Vice Commander of the American Legion

Veterans Corner

by Your local American Legion Post 48

Elks Fundraiser Successful in Raising Awareness and Money for the Utah State Veterans Home. (Again.)

A big “Thank You” goes out to Robert Pagnani, Elks Veterans representative for the State of Utah.  With the help of his wife and many other friends and volunteers, as the first “Music from the Heart” fundraiser, held on February 16, was a huge success. What hopefully will be the first of an annual event was attended by many locals in support of the new Veterans Home that will open in Payson in May or June of this year to serve the many Veterans and their families who reside primarily in the seven or eight counties that are considered central Utah. Many vendors attended the event, accompanied by music and continuous entertainment throughout the day.

Pulled pork sandwiches, were provided at no charge, but most contributed by way of a donation for the food and drink provided. The pork was graciously donated by Christiansen’s Family Farm of Vernon, Utah.  Springville Meat also donated the cutting and wrapping of the pork.  Businesses and individuals from around the state also donated numerous items that were raffled off to those lucky enough to have there name drawn.

Music and entertainment was provided by the Tintic  High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Kodey Hughes, Old Time Fiddlers, Payson Cowboy Poets and local singers, like Camille Humpherys.

Both opening and closing  flag ceremonies were performed by the American Legion District Four Honor Guard. The VFW and the Diamond Fork Riding Club were also sponsors of this event.

With the support and help of the thirteen Elks Lodges in Utah, the Elks had donated over $12,000.00 before this event. When final numbers are provided, that number could be in the neighborhood of $20,000.00. That alone would upgrade furnishings in each of  five complete rooms at the 108-room facility. Don Cole, a veteran, and his wife Jane Anne also presented a check at this event for $4,000.00.