American Legion holds New Year’s BBQ to raise funds

Donald A. Promnitz/The Madera Tribune From left, Stan Cantrell, Lokey Cowger, and Mallonee grill chicken at the fundraiser barbecue on New Year’s Day. Post 11 raised more than $500 to go into better security for their building after a burglary on Christmas Eve.

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The American Legion Madera Post 11 held a New Year’s fundraiser barbecue following a burglary on the Legion’s property.

The break-in on Christmas Eve was the second burglary to hit Post 11 in 2016, and saw the theft of their yard and maintenance equipment, which had been donated by the Home Depot in Madera after the previous incident. Propane was also stolen.

At the New Year’s barbecue, Post 11 managed to raise more than $500 from more than 50 people in attendance, according to post manager Ed Chacon. Food was donated by the IPM Yard Dogs baseball club in Madera, and Croxen Catering, who also provided the smoker, and helped with cooking.

Proceeds for the fundraiser will go towards better security equipment to help prevent another burglary.