News : Vinton Lions Club chili dinner raises $2,125 for Honor Flight program

Lion Mike Barron checks the chili while first-year member Will Ketchen serves Cindy Elwick.

Scoutmaster Dennis Eden and First Class Boy Scout Ben Eden check out the Honor Flight display.

Lion EIHF organizer Roger Uthoff shakes hands with club Pres. Alan Wood over successful fund-raiser.

Gavn Salger was a fan of the cupcakes served at the Lions chili supper.

Reagan Salger enjoys chili with his family during the event.

Norina Butler enjoys chili at the Lions fund-raiser for the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, Nov. 21.

The Vinton Lions Club served 259 patrons before and after this year’s Lighted Veterans Holiday Parade on Thursday, Nov. 21. That number is about 50 more than last year, in spite of the damp, cold weather for this year's event.

Club President Alan Woodhouse said the donations from the chili supper allow the club to give the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight organization a total of $2125. This is the largest contribution the community and club have contributed in the four years of hosting the chili supper during the same night as the parade. These funds help send military veterans from Eastern Iowa to Washington, D.C., for a day of tours and ceremonies honoring and remembering their sacrifices.

Lions Club member and EIHF organizer Roger Uthoff set up a display of Honor Flight photographs, and offered applications for both veterans and volunteers who accompany them as guardians.

Mike Barron, a firefighter and 30-year member of the Vinton Lions Club, made the chili, using the famous recipe created by his father, Bill.

As they often do, the Troop 47 Boy and Cub Scouts helped with serving and cleaning tables. The Scouts are active in many veteran-related events.

Scoutmaster Dennis Eden and First Class Boy Scout Ben Eden spent some time checking out the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight display at the chili supper and consider participating in the Scout color guard for future flights. Ben Eden was one of several Scouts assisting diners at the annual fundraiser.

Scout troops from throughout Iowa traditionally join veterans groups and other organizations in standing beside the families of the Honor Flight veterans to welcome them back to the Eastern Iowa Airport at the end of their day.