Sock Hop: Victory For Veterans

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

The Virgin Valley Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Mesquite Poker Boys Club surpassed their goal of raising $20,000 for the Mesquite Veterans Center on Saturday night, Nov. 11. The Soldiers and Bobby-Soxers 50s hop was generally recognized as a great victory for the local Veterans Center. It was also a major accomplishment for DAR in its first major fundraiser attempt.

The nine-month effort spearheaded by Cindi Conte of DAR and Larry LeMieux of the Poker Boys came to a lively climax at the end of Mesquite’s week-long celebration of Veterans Day and was held at the Mesquite Rec Center.

What a victory bash it was! Attendees were encouraged to wear 1950s-style clothes and many did. There were 18 contestants who entered the dress contest, adding to the party atmosphere. The gym was full of party-goers and merchant vendors.

Jeff Hoyt served as master of ceremonies. Veterans Center President Steve Reynolds spoke about the center and his gratitude for the fundraiser. Mayor Al Litman gave an informational talk on the history of the Mesquite Veterans Center.

Tribute was paid to veterans in song by the Sun City Sounds and a special four-man Trumpet Quartet assembled from members of the Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra.

The party heated up when the Rec. Center’s Life Long Dancers, dressed as chain-gang members, performed a great jazz dance, and PJ Anderson impersonated Elvis to “Jailhouse Rock” receiving cheers from the crowd.

Nostalgic ’50s dance music was provided by DJ Vance and got people on the dance floor. Dry Heat Jazz Band presented big band sounds during their set, and Mesquite Café Blues Band sang their renditions of the 1950s, when they themselves got off the dance floor. People were dancing to Jerry Lee Lewis while doing the twist and the stroll.
“I am enjoying this event, it is a good place to be,” said Isabell Turner.

Her friends Don and Debbie Hufford agreed that the show was great. They said they would come back next year to support the veterans again.

Conti reported, “As to individual donors for the Veterans Party, Elmer Conti, was the only Platinum donor for $5,000. Our major business sponsors were Legacy Construction and Development, a Gold sponsor at $2,500; and Mesquite Gaming, Nevada Residential Construction, and Deep Roots Harvest, who are Silver sponsors at $1,000 each.”

The 28 vendors that participated were also contributors through their vendor fees.
“The Veterans Party was a great success, not just because we reached our fundraising goal for the Veterans Center, but because it gave us the opportunity to show our appreciation for the veterans in our community in the best way possible,” Conti said. “This event was Mesquite at its best – the city, local businesses, and talented citizens giving their all to say ‘thank you’ for the sacrifices made by the veterans who live in Mesquite.”