HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Moose Lodge will host its 19th annual veterans fundraiser this Saturday, Nov. 8, continuing a tradition started nearly two decades ago by local veteran John Miller to honor service members and support veterans’ causes.
The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with a donation-based turkey dinner at Moose Lodge #982, 1401 E. 1st Ave. There is a dance that starts at 7 p.m., and the main veterans recognition ceremony will take place at 9 p.m. Veterans are admitted free; Moose Lodge members will be charged $8 and non-members $10.
Miller, a member of the Moose Lodge, American Legion and American Legion Riders, launched the event after noticing Hutchinson lacked a full ceremony honoring veterans.
“We have short ceremonies, maybe 15 or 20 minutes, maybe a breakfast, but not one that let veterans tell their stories and interact with the crowd,” he said. “I didn’t think it was fair to have Veterans Day without a veterans ceremony.”
Since then, the fundraiser has grown with support from the Moose Lodge, which provides the building and assistance. “They said, ‘We won’t charge you for the lodge and we’ll help you do everything we can,’ and it just blossomed from there,” Miller said. The lodge now even issues a special membership card for veterans.
Each year, proceeds benefit local veterans organizations, including the American Legion, AMVETS and both VFW posts. Additional funds are donated to a selected nonprofit. Past recipients include Healing Waters, which takes wounded veterans on fishing trips; Patriotic Adventures, which provides outdoor experiences for injured service members; and Wounded Warriors. This year’s chosen organization is KS for Vets, which helps local veterans with home modifications, utility assistance and support services.
“They widen doors for wheelchairs, build ramps, help pay electric bills, whatever veterans need that they can’t afford,” Miller said.
Saturday’s ceremony will also honor Rachel, an O’Reilly Auto Parts employee whose son, an Army paratrooper, was severely injured when his parachute failed to deploy properly.
“He’s been in the hospital for two years. He just learned to talk again about a month ago,” Miller said.
Local veterans groups will present her with plaques, a Blue Star Family flag and a special throw blanket for her son.
Miller said the event also serves to remind the community of the unseen struggles many veterans face, including PTSD and mental health challenges.
“It’s not always the broken bones you see—it’s what’s going on inside that can be worse,” he said.
He highlighted the American Legion’s “Be the One” program, which encourages veterans to reach out to fellow veterans who may be struggling.
Businesses across Hutchinson continue to support the fundraiser, some for all 19 years, including Chafin Electric, Good Samaritan Funeral and Retirement Home, and B&J Smoke Shop. New supporters this year include Hutch Auto Body.
Donations can be made at the Moose Lodge or by contacting Miller at 620-694-7128.
“It’s for the veterans,” Miller said. “We appreciate the support, and on behalf of all vets, thank you.”