CADILLAC — A Northern Michigan American Legion Post that’s been around for more than 100 years and struggling to keep the lights on, is no longer in danger of closing down.
American Legion Post 94 in Cadillac was in dire straits just four months ago. They were down $10,000 and behind on their bills.
Post Commander Robert Paige said they had been struggling financially and were under threat of shutting down.
“We were in a rough spot. We didn’t have enough income coming in to pay our bills. Pay our employees. We were several months behind, trying to play catch up,” said Robert.
Robert said that was until they started holding a progressive ‘Queen of Hearts’ raffle.
“I’m glad we did what we did. It’s helped out. We’ve been kicking the can down the road for a long time. Just trying to get by because we’re a nonprofit,” said Robert.
He said he was a little skeptical at first.
“We have never done anything like this before and just to watch it grow. And then the people come in and the camaraderie, it’s just awesome. People kept coming in and coming in. The crowd got bigger and bigger,” said Robert.
Robert’s wife Tina Paige is on the ‘Queen of Hearts’ board. She said the difference has been night and day.
“Thursday nights. you might have had a handful of people in here, but that was about it but once ‘Queen of Hearts’ started, you know, we need two bartenders because we’re that busy,” said Tina.
Last Thursday, they awarded their very first jackpot to local woman, Deb Taylor.
It had grown to a whopping $24,000.
She said she’s happy with the turn around because the legion means so much to veterans like Robert.
“When it got to the point where we thought we were going to have to close the doors. It was pretty sad. You have all these veterans that we really need to pay homage to, and we need to support them,” said Tina.
Paige said they’ve also been doing other things to bring in the crowds like offering inexpensive drinks and adding food on Thursdays.
He said they’ve even drawn in some new members, that’s a huge plus.
“Because of the Queen of hearts and everything. We’re getting members in all three, three entities, new SALs (Sons of Legionnaires), new auxiliary and some Legionnaire members,” said Paige.
He said other local veteran organizations are also taking a page from their playbook, AMVETS Post 110 is holding their own raffle to raise desperately needed funds, with help from fellow legion members.
“It’s a win win situation for everybody in this town is definitely big enough to handle both,” said Paige.