Bouquet — From Rhonda Lindstrom, Niagara, Wis.: Two Dickinson County veterans organized a spaghetti dinner with the support of local businesses and generous individuals in the community. On May 31, 15 volunteers served more than 350 guests who enjoyed homemade spaghetti, coleslaw, rolls and cookies at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Kingsford. About $4,100 was raised to support refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. Not only were refugees in Ukraine supported, but also those fleeing domestic abuse in our local community, as the food that wasn’t used for the dinner was donated to the Caring House in Iron Mountain.

The vets would like to thank the community for their support. Awareness of the generosity of our community was evidenced through extra monetary donations and individuals purchasing dinners for friends, family and neighbors. Further thanks to local establishments — Ford Airport, Knights of Columbus, Northwoods IGA and Dickinson County Office of Veterans Affairs — the volunteers and Francis Marshall for the delicious spaghetti sauce.

The contributions from this dinner will aid humanitarian relief efforts by Samaritan’s Purse. Samaritan’s Purse is a not-for-profit Christian organization working in the U.S. and abroad. The money will directly support the international Disaster Assistance Relief Team working in Ukraine serving fleeing refugees through an emergency field hospital as well as distributing food, water, blankets, shelter and hygiene kits. DART teams are comprised of experienced professionals trained in meeting the needs of disaster victims.

Bouquet — From Dave Stohl and Joe Stevens, Dickinson County Office of Veterans Affairs: The Office of Veterans Affairs would like to thank everyone who made our benefit spaghetti dinner for Samaritan’s Purse a big success. The dinner raised $4,100 for Ukraine Humanitarian Relief.

We couldn’t have done it without the generosity of our volunteers, donors and diners.

The people in our community are wonderful people.