HALLOWEEN COSTUME FUND-RAISING at MARANA-5990
Article and Photos by Alan Edwards 

Arizona VFW members are famed for Fund-Raising skills, and Commander Carl Schelin at Marana’s VFW-5990 is surely a candidate for the ‘Most Creative’ award. Advertised as a Halloween Costume contest (where the costume was optional but some clothing was required), all proceeds went to the VFW and Auxiliary Hospital program.

            LAVFW Department VAVS Representative Lucille Lombardo and District-5 Hospital Chair (and LAVFW-10188 President) Eileen Bedel served as judges. It was a tough call, but after some gnashing of teeth and pulling of hair the winners were announced: First place went to the ‘Candy Striper’ (a.k.a. Allison); Second place to the ‘Scarecrow’ (a.k.a. Georgia); Third Place was awarded to the ‘Sorceress’ (a.k.a. Joey); Forth Place went to the ‘Beer Keg’ (a.k.a. Commander Carl Schelin); Fifth Place went to the ‘Gypsy’ (a.k.a. Toby); and Sixth place was awarded to the ‘Hillbilly’ (a.k.a. Charlotte). Receiving Honorable Mention was ‘Two Face’ (a.k.a. District-5 Commander Bruce Spencer) and the ‘Lady Bug’ (a.k.a. District-5 President Pam Spencer).

            After the winners were announced everyone enjoyed a pot luck dinner and a whole lot of socializing. There were no glum faces at this one, only smiles and camaraderie.

Commander Carl Schelin only placed fourth in the Halloween costume contest at VFW-5990 in Marana, but he ranks among the top in fund raising skills. VFW-5990 raised over $144 for the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary Hospital Program at this event.

Auxiliary Department VAVS Representative Lucille Lombardo with District-5 Hospital Chair (and LAVFW-10188 President) Eileen Bedel served as ‘Da judges’ at the VFW-5990 Halloween costume contest. It was a tough call as there were many very creative costumes.