By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

The Western Jamboree Veterans fundraiser, held in the event tent at the Virgin River on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 9, was a victory for everyone.

The Daughters of the American Revolution and the Poker Boys organized the event and outdid themselves in ensuring the day ran smoothly for partygoers.

Over 300 people attended the Western-style event, raising money to support the Veterans Center. Mesquite Gaming was a big contributor to the event donating the use of the tent. Other large donors were Crown Cork & Seal and Legacy Construction & Development.

Attendees enjoyed a pleasant afternoon in their western garb, listening to Delta Straight Band, the Dry Heat Brass Band and Rolling Joe & the Tumbleweeds. The Lifelong Dancers performed line dancing, and guests showed off their dancing boots too.

Virgin Valley Elementary student Alana Davis sang the National Anthem, bringing tears to many eyes. Mayor Al Litman was master of ceremonies. The speakers were

Dr. Leigh Roessner, Regent DAR Virgin Valley Chapter, and Steve Reynolds, president of the Veterans Center. Litman paid homage to the late Ed Fizer, who was instrumental in the founding of the Veterans Center.

There were plenty of raffle prizes donated by local business and individual supporters of the vet center. The Mesquite Showgirls handled the raffle tickets.

Amy Bradshaw reported, “At this point (Sunday), we know we will be able to donate as much as last year, which was $22,000, to the Veterans Center.”
Reynolds said, “The money is used for care and maintenance of the center building and assisting veterans in need.”

Dr. Leigh Roessner said, “The 5th Annual Veterans fundraiser, a Country- Western Jamboree, was a huge success. We could not have had such a fantastic event without the help and generosity of our volunteers and sponsors. The Virgin Valley Daughters of the American Revolution is so happy to have hosted such an occasion to celebrate and honor our local veterans. The love and appreciation shown toward our veterans were astounding. The whole event was another example of what a patriotic and generous community Mesquite truly is.”