The American Legion San Benito Post 69 is in somewhat of a
financial crisis, which it hopes to overcome with its first Squid
Lunch fundraiser Saturday, March 1.
The American Legion San Benito Post 69 is in somewhat of a financial crisis, which it hopes to overcome with its first Squid Lunch fundraiser Saturday, March 1.
“We only have about $500 to $600 in the bank and a CD worth about $2,500,” said Post Commander Robert Gonzales. “If this works we might do another one later in the year.”
In the past, the American Legion raised money through garage sales, but made only enough to purchase flags. But with the renovated Veterans Memorial Building reopening soon, Gonzales said the post is in need of many supplies.
“We need a computer, a filing cabinet, a large refrigerator and other items,” he said. “We’re hoping this fundraiser is a success so we can have it on annual basis.”
Because the fundraiser coincides with Lent, Gonzales said it would be fitting to serve squid.
“The VFW does the crab dinners and I thought I wanted to do something in the same neighborhood,” he said. “And since it’s Lent season, it fit the times.”
The goal is to serve 150 meals, which Gonzales said should be “very delicious.”
“We’re going to do our best,” he said. “Everybody will have a good time.”
The lunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – with military music playing in the background – at the former Fremont School, Fourth and West streets. The menu calls for deep-fried squid, pasta, coleslaw and soft drinks at $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12.
“Squid is very delicious,” Gonzales said. “I’ve cooked it for my family before. It turned out pretty good.”
Originally, Gonzales thought the fundraiser would be held at Veterans Memorial Park, but the post decided to move it to the former school because the weather might be too cold.
Gonzales said he could use some help with cleaning the 125 pounds of squid.
“We’ll be cleaning the squid the day before at Vets Park,” he said. “It takes about 30 seconds to clean one.”
The squid was donated by a group of fisherman from Moss Landing. Fifty pounds of coleslaw was donated by Mann Packing in Salinas.
“That should really help our profit,” Gonzales said.
For tickets or more information, call 636-6911.
