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11/20/2024 08:30 AMEvery year, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 66 of Clinton hosts a craft fair and raffle to raise money for a number of causes which are supported by the group. For Trudy Valenti, the unit’s secretary, organizing this event is truly a labor of love.
The American Legion Auxiliary is made up of the male and female spouses, as well as the female family members, of members of the American Legion. The group supports the Legion and its members in their efforts, which are primarily focused on assisting veterans and the families of veterans.
“I think they really appreciate what we do for them,” Trudy says of the auxiliary.
In order to meet that goal, the unit in Clinton holds an annual craft, bake, and raffle fair on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to raise money for its causes.
“It’s our major fundraiser of the year,” says Trudy.
This year, the event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Unit 66 hall located at 82 West Main Street. The sale will have everything from crafts, pies, breads, and cookies, as well as raffle prizes of quilts and gift cards to local restaurants.
The proceeds from the sale will go toward supporting different initiatives and programs which align with the Legion’s goals.
“It’s our major fundraiser that allows us to make donations to organization have stepped up to help the veterans, their families, and also the community as a whole and children,” Trudy explains.
The event has been held for a number of years now, and Trudy says that it’s become something to look forward to for both attendees and vendors alike.
“It’s like it’s all an extended family that understands our mission,” says Trudy.
In addition to rising money for good causes, Trudy says the level of kinship among everyone is the best part of the day for her.
“Seeing the people is my favorite part. A lot of the same people come every year. It’s a long day, but it’s full of camaraderie and community,” says Trudy.
Trudy has been a member of the auxiliary since 2015.
“My brother Bill convinced me and my sister to join. We were down to only a handful of members, and were in danger of losing the charter,” Trudy recalls.
Nearly 10 years later, Trudy is glad that she joined. Trudy says the group has grown to include about 50 to 60 members, including over a dozen members who regularly attend meetings.
“We got in there, and we’re still here. It’s so addictive doing things to help veterans,” says Trudy.
Trudy serves as the secretary and membership chairperson for the unit.
“I get a lot of communications, and I send them to where they belong,” Trudy explains.
As part of her duties, she also pitches in at events and handles the agenda and minutes of the unit’s meetings. One ongoing effort in which Trudy is involved is expanding the Junior Auxiliary group, which is open to girls under the age of 18 who are interested in helping the unit.
“Once they turn 18, they can join the adult unit,” says Trudy.
Trudy grew up in Clinton and is proudly a decedent of the Kelsey family—a prominent family which helped found Hartford and Clinton.
Trudy says that Clinton’s small-town charm is something which used to bother her, but it has now turned into her favorite aspect of the town.
“It used to bother me as a teenager, but now I love that everyone knows you or your family,” says Trudy. “Everywhere you go, you run into friends.”