The Newhall American Legion Post 507 has been serving veterans of the Santa Clarita Valley for nearly 80 years, and in an effort to continue that tradition, the Post officers are hoping to update their Newhall facility and better serve local veterans.

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On Saturday, Oct. 12, they are hosting their first building fundraiser, starting at 6 p.m.

Guests will enjoy cocktails and dinner, in addition to a keynote address from Mayor Bob Kellar, who will share the history of the American Legion building as a theater donated by William S. Hart. He will also reflect on how the organization has helped veterans over the years.

But Post 507’s focus has never been just on veterans. Last year, they donated more than $40,000 to local charities.

In the past they have also chartered two Cub Scout Packs, supported the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry and Habitat for Heroes, and participated in annual toy drives with the Veteran Employment Committee and the SCV Junior Chamber International.

The money raised during Saturday’s event will go towards building an outdoor smoking patio, remodeling the office space where veterans can file disability claims and upgrading the kitchen and ventilation system.

Post Vice Commander J.D. Kennedy said that because the facility used to be a theater, the upstairs offices do not have adequate space for desks and computers. In addition to renovations, Post officers would like to hire a professional to help prepare and file disability paperwork for veterans.

The smoking patio would help address the age gap among veterans who visit the Post, Kennedy said.

“It’s a different era than what it was,” he said, “…where all military or veterans were smokers.”

Having a smoke-free indoors would make the Post more family-friendly and appealing to younger veterans.

Updating the kitchen would mean that the Post could host larger fundraisers for their nonprofit partners.

Currently, they can only serve between 100 and 120 guests.

“We just want to be able to hold high class a higher standard of events that support charities,” Kennedy said.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $60 per person, $100 for a couple or $500 for a table of eight. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 661-263-1717 or send an email to tootsie615@att.net.

SCV News contributed to this report.

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