Event to raise money for VFW elevator

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Loretta Jackson photo Event organizers of the "Give a Vet a Lift" project include, from left, Max Quayle, Dave Merrill, Susan Mead, Mike Morin. Organizer Mike Driscoll is not pictured.

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Loretta Jackson photo Event organizers of the "Give a Vet a Lift" project include, from left, Max Quayle, Dave Merrill, Susan Mead, Mike Morin. Organizer Mike Driscoll is not pictured.

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Loretta Jackson photo Event organizers of the "Give a Vet a Lift" project include, from left, Max Quayle, Dave Merrill, Susan Mead, Mike Morin. Organizer Mike Driscoll is not pictured.

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Help out a good cause and come out and play games at “Give a Vet a Lift” on Saturday, July 17.

Money raised will go to the purchase and installation of a vertical lift elevator that will provide access for disabled veterans and other handicapped people visiting Merrimack’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8641. The post, at 282 Daniel Webster Highway, has 207 members, but no handicapped access.

The “Give a Vet a Lift” fundraising challenge, open to all ages, is scheduled to run from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in and around the shady picnic grove, horseshoe pits and ball field at the nearby Merrimack American Legion Post 98 at 43 Baboosic Lake Road. The use of the facilities there was offered in a show of support and cooperation between the two veterans organizations.

Olympic-style activities, complete with the ceremonial lighting of tiki torches, will offer friendly competition, for a small donation. Compete in horseshoes, whiffle ball, pingpong and ladder golf. A dunking booth will guarantee some chilly surprises, and face painting and other child-friendly diversions are planned. Live music from two popular bands, Bat Magoon and Project Mess, is on tap from 2-6 p.m.

According to organizers of the “Give a Vet a Lift” effort, the three-stage lift unit costs $23,000 and the budgeted cost for the entire installation project is $55,000. Numerous tradesmen have offered help, volunteers are involved and grant applications to the Disabled American Veterans organization are underway. Nevertheless, it’s a big and costly job.

The VFW Post 8641 was founded in 1962 and is supported by a military membership that has served in foreign lands, along with family members of such veterans. It boasts a lower level canteen and also serves the general public through rental of a second-floor function hall for community gatherings, civic group meetings, weddings and sports activities.

It’s home to many local organizations and groups, including Scout Troop 525 and the Independent Karate School. Senior citizens meet there for cribbage, and pool leagues play downstairs in the canteen. An annual cancer research benefit draws crowds. And an annual banquet for Merrimack’s senior citizens is a much-anticipated event for many families.

Max Quayle, a Vietnam veteran and commander of the nonprofit VFW post, praised the lift venture, which has been designated Team D.A.V.E. (Disabled American Veterans Everywhere). He said nowadays those who are handicapped are increasing in number, and the afflicted currently cannot get into the building, unless they are carried up and down its stairways.

“Our focus not only is the vet returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who is disabled, it’s the older vet from Korea or Vietnam who is suffering from arthritis, back pain or heart problems related to aging,” he said. “A lift will be a godsend for all of them, and for disabled members of the community who wish to enjoy activities at the post.”

Team D.A.V.E. is loaded with talent: Quayle is post commander. Dave Merrill handles public relations and provides overall business expertise. Mike Morin is the technical adviser. Mike Driscoll is project manager. And cheerleader Susan Mead is the Team D.A.V.E. president and an organizer extraordinaire. Each Team D.A.V.E. member has specific skills that enhance the planning, building or fundraising aspects of the “Give a Vet a Lift” project, an ongoing effort expected to take two years to complete.

“Get a vet a lift. It’s the right thing to do,” Mead said. “It’s a way to give back to our veterans and to the community. The response has been amazing.”

The VFW’s men’s and women’s auxiliary are on board. Bellavance Beverage donated hundreds of full-color posters, designed by artist Jeanne Mastranzi, and area businesses are signing up every day to be a part of the upcoming event. Frank’s Place, a popular local deli and butcher shop, is providing food for all the musicians. And hamburgers, hot dogs and other snacks will be sold on site.

Organizers noted that the upcoming “Give a Vet a Lift” event will offer more than fun, games, food and music. Veterans who attend will find a wealth of information from representatives of various groups whose focus is related to job counseling, health programs, housing, military benefits and other resources.

The day’s schedule includes opening ceremonies at 9:45 a.m. Horseshoes ($10) registration begins at 9 a.m. in advance of play at 10 a.m. Whiffle ball ($10) registration for teams of two players begins at 11 a.m. and play begins at noon. Pingpong ($5) registration begins at 1 p.m. and play starts at 2 p.m. Ladder golf ($5) registration begins at 2 p.m., with play commencing at 3 p.m. The dunking booth ($1 for three throws) will be open all day. A change of clothing may be in order for volunteers.

Those unable to attend the fundraising challenge may show their support by sending a donation check or money order to: VFW Post 8641 Handicapped Lift, c/o Max Quayle, Commander, P.O. Box 157, Merrimack, NH 03054-0157. Others with questions are invited to call the VFW at 424-7719 or e-mail giveavetalift@gmail.com.