Pebble Creek Golf Course hosted a Coach Purse Bingo event last weekend benefitting veterans and their families.

 

The event was spearheaded by the American Legion Riders of Zimmerman who promote and support programs of the American Legion and American veterans. They promote their cause through fundraising efforts, charities, and motorcycle runs that build camaraderie among members while raising much-needed funds.

 

Saturday’s bingo event brought dozens of people (mostly women) to the clubhouse with prizes ranging from authentic Coach purses, cash and other prizes. The day also featured horse & ducky video pull tab races and Troy Malo’s staff was busy most of the day serving food and drinks to the over-18 crowd.

 

One of the charities the Legion Riders pledge to is PAD — Patriot Assistance Dogs — an organization that provides psychiatric service dogs for veterans with PTSD, TBI and other psychiatric challenges. Two of those veterans were on hand with their service dogs and were kind enough to share their strained testimonies.

 

“My dog wakes me up at night when I’m having nightmares,” said Gordon Finley, a Desert Storm veteran of his dog named “Frankie”.

 

“If I ever get depressed, he jumps in my lap and licks my face,” he said.

 

Vietnam veteran, Richard Vanden-Eykel, also had tales of his service dog, “Knight”, a solid black labrador.

 

“At a convenience store one time, we were standing there and another person approached and stood behind me,” Richard said. “Knight could sense my discomfort, so he positioned himself between me and the guy behind me. I cannot tell you how much that simple gesture helps me.”

 

PAD, a non-profit organization out of Detroit Lakes, was founded in 2011 as a way of reaching out and helping veterans suffering from debilitating challenges. Each dog that is trained is valued at around $10,000 and they are not breed-specific. They are trained to remind veterans to take their medication, interrupt harmful behavior, lead the owner away from stressful situations, get help when necessary, wake from night terrors, interrupt panic attacks, “clear” a room or apartment and maintain a veteran’s personal space.

 

Seventy-five percent of the dogs in the PAD program come from shelters or private party rescues. PAD has trained certified over 80 dogs/dog handlers since inception.

 

The American Legion Riders of Zimmerman established themselves in January of last year but have already made an impact on veterans in the local communities. Saturday, Riders Director Steve Andersen gathered his entourage around the veterans and donated $10,000 to PAD prior to the bingo benefit being held.

 

Currently, there are 43 chapters of the Minnesota American Legion Riders in 10 districts including chapters in Zimmerman, Monticello and Clearwater. They have annual charity motorcycle rides and the Zimmerman chapter plans to continue to host bingo events to raise funds and bring awareness to America’s veterans.

 

 The Riders plan to hold another Coach purse bingo event this Spring in Big Lake at the Friendly Buffalo.

 

“Thank you so much for letting me share my story today and your generous donation to PAD,” said Vanden-Eykel. “It was very heartwarming to talk with so many caring people.”