Letter: Legion poker run and cookoff raise $51,540

Dear Editor:

The Sikeston American Legion Auxiliary along with the American Legion family held their 11th Annual Poker Run and Cookoff on April 26-27 at the Sikeston American Legion. The total amount raised for this event was $51,540 with all proceeds going to the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri.

We would like to thank Ultimate Flooring for their sponsorship for the wing war that was held on Friday, April 26 along with the Royal Oak Charcoal for donating all of the charcoal for the wing war and barbecue cookoff that was held on Saturday. A huge thank you to the other 33 sponsors that we had to make this event possible.

The Sikeston community along with other surrounding communities helped in a big way by donating items to our auction that was held Saturday evening. This event could not be possible if it wasn’t for all the sponsors and the local and surrounding businesses donating to this event.

In the 11 years that we have held this event, our total contribution to the cemetery is $271,871.83. The money raised is used for repairs, enclosing the committal shelter and putting heat and air in the shelter along with other numerous projects at the cemetery. The money is used for shortfalls of their budget.

If you haven’t been to the cemetery, you need to go. It is absolutely beautiful.

Again, a huge thank you to all who took part in this event from sponsors to donors and all the volunteer help. Next year will be our 12th annual, and we hope for it to be bigger and better than in the past.

Sikeston American Legion

Auxiliary and American Legion family