Oliver celebration supports area veterans

Aug. 2--For the seventh year in a row, the El Dorado Bar and Grill in Oliver is inviting the community to help local veterans. A fundraiser for homeless veterans combined with a customer appreciation day takes place Saturday, Aug. 3, at the El Dorado.

"We don't want to see anyone on the streets; we don't want to see anybody getting kicked out of their houses. We want to make sure that they're not hungry," El Dorado owner Todd Pfeffer said. "That's what this is all about -- helping them when they definitely need it."

The bar will open for breakfast at 8 a.m.

At 10, everyone is invited to meet and walk two blocks to Matthew Pionk Memorial Park for the fourth annual Walk for the Fallen. Participants will circle the park twice, walking a mile in honor of fallen members of the military. Then they meet at the shelter to share stories of their loved ones.

A horseshoe tournament and outdoor karaoke begin at noon at the El Dorado. At 5 p.m., a pig roast with all the trimmings will be served.

"We want people coming and having some fun," Pfeffer said.

Raffles, drawings and auction items will take place throughout the day. Donations will be accepted. Every cent raised will be split between the Douglas County Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund and the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) in Duluth.

Local vets rely on Soldiers and Sailors Fund

Douglas County Veterans Service Officer Brian Erickson said the pig roast is amazing, but he also appreciates seeing people have a good time and talking to veterans who attend the event.

"We always want more people from Douglas County," Pfeffer said.

Thanks to the El Dorado, the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund has become a reliable source of help for Douglas County veterans.

"This year so far, we have assisted veterans with roughly $8,000 in aid," Erickson said. To date, the El Dorado has donated $4,400 to the fund this year.

"They're a major contributor to helping veterans in need in Douglas County," Erickson said.

The funds are used to help veterans stay in their homes, pay utility bills, find temporary shelter or deal with emergency situations.

Service runs in Pfeffer's family, and he appreciates every service member who has stepped up to answer the country's call. Knowing many are in need doesn't sit well with him.

"They're supposed to be taken care of," he said "There shouldn't be any homelessness. They shouldn't have to worry about medical."

With the help of groups like the Leathernecks and Northland Vietnam Veterans Association, as well as his family and staff, Pfeffer has made helping veterans his cause.

The summer shindig is the most visible event, but the El Dorado supports veterans year-round. The bar hosts weekly meat raffles and designer purse bingo events, with all the money going to homeless veterans. Between those efforts and the August event, Pfeffer donates about $20,000 a year to Douglas County and MACV.

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