Rockton American Legion Ladies Auxiliary invites public to upcoming event in support of veterans and deployed service personnel

After a two year absence the very popular “Little Black Dress” event is returning with a strong purpose.

Members of the Rockton American Legion Post #332 Ladies Auxiliary invites the public to come out for a night of fun in support of local veterans and deployed service personnel.

The action is taking place at the Rockton American (Legion) Center at 221 W. Main Street in Rockton on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., allowing a time to socialize prior to a prime rib dinner being served at 6 p.m. by ABC Catering.

• Take a chance on winning a prize from a raffle. Cash prizes include a first place amount of $1,000, second place is $500 and a third place winner collects $250.
• Bid on interesting goods during a silent auction and/or a bag auction.
• Dancing starts at 7 p.m., with tunes being played by Dancin' Outlaws DJ Dave Johnson.

Tickets will be sold until May 1 at a cost of $45 per person and can be picked up at the Legion bar or from a member who is selling them. To reserve a full table of eight, tickets must be purchased in advance.

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Past “Little Black Dress” events opened doors for the Rockton American #332 Legion Ladies Auxiliary and Legion family to raise enough money to send two veterans on a Vets Roll trip, to furnish an apartment, and to help with food relief.

Expanding on forms of outreach already in action, part of the funds that came in from the “Little Black Dress” event and other fundraising efforts were used to purchase specialty indoor furniture for the Veterans' Home in LaSalle-Peru, plus catered meals for veterans who reside there.

Year-round, the ladies of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 332 give back to veterans and their families.  The Auxiliary and Legion family teamed up to give a nice sized donation to Vets Roll as each trip is planned.  The Auxiliary also sends ‘Welcome Home’ items to newly discharged soldiers who are only given $25 toward setting up new living quarters.

Every year the Legion Auxiliary distributes poppies in the Rockton community. Rockton's Village President reads a Poppy Proclamation at a Village Board of Trustees meeting.

Poppy distribution is led by the Auxiliary who are joined annual by Legion Riders, and Sons of the American Legion, Jr. ALA members and Legionnaires.

Every red poppy has a special significance, as hospitalized veterans at the LaSalle-Peru Veterans Home make the flowers. This enables them to make a small wage, helping supplement incomes and to feel more self-sufficient. Donations that come  out of Poppy Days are used exclusively in support and assistance of veterans and their families. Poppies also serve as a reminder of past sacrifices made.

The Roscoe VFW Post 2955 also distributes poppies and is known for creating poppy displays.