Everyone around Spring Valley knows that in early October 2017, the Johnny Ringo’s bar burned down, and has been demolished. It’s not as well known that the Spring Valley VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) building, right next to the fire, also incurred significant damages. And for that reason, the VFW is holding a “Rebuild the VFW Benefit Dinner and Auction” on Saturday, April 21 at the Spring Valley Community Center.
On a recent afternoon, VFW Post 4114 Commander Steve O’Connor and fundraiser committee member Sarah Kohn sat down to share the details of their upcoming event. A dinner will be served from 4-7 p.m., and a silent auction from 4-6 p.m. There will also be a live auction starting at 5 p.m. The dinner will include chili and fixings, garlic toast, dessert and beverage. Those attending the dinner are asked to make a freewill offering. O’Connor added, “And I just found out today, there’s going to be a musical jam session” (during the event).
O’Connor said he was gone much of the winter, but the committee came up with the idea of doing something to raise funds, and he said they wisely went ahead and started the ball rolling, rather than awaiting his return. Kohn shared that a GoFundMe page was started, but then the committee realized a dinner and auction would be a better way to get the entire community involved. Kohn said one of the benefits of the GoFundMe page, besides the actual funds raised, was just getting more public awareness of the VFW’s need.
Sharing some history, O’Connor stated that, “Johnny Ringo’s used to be the VFW. We owned the bar. And at some point in time, we decided we weren’t very good at running bars. So we decided to do what we’re really good at, and that’s helping veterans, and supporting our community. So we sold the bar, but we kept the building next door.”
O’Connor went on to describe that when the bar burned down in October, there was smoke and water damage to the adjacent properties, including the VFW and several apartments, which had to be vacated for a couple of months while damages were mitigated. Because of the age of the building, O’Connor said the insurance considers depreciation when estimating damage costs, so the VFW is left without enough of a settlement to replace everything that needs to be replaced. Kohn said since she lives in one of the apartments above the VFW, she was actually the first person to witness the fire. She’s glad to be back in her apartment, and eager to help with the fundraising efforts.
O’Connor spoke of the ongoing cleanup efforts at the fire site, stating, “I know there were some tiles with asbestos. So I think the better part of it is going to have to be treated as hazardous waste. So it has to be handled in a special way.” He said the VFW plans to use all proceeds from their fundraising “trying to cover whatever the insurance doesn’t cover… Our roof is going to cost us way more than the insurance is going to give us, I’m pretty sure.”
O’Connor said that Dick Schwade (of Spring Valley Auctions) has offered his outstanding auctioneering services for the event. He also pointed out that many businesses and individuals from Spring Valley and surrounding communities have pitched in by donating valuable items for the auctions.
O’Connor said one “silver lining” to this fire and related damage has been that many younger members of the VFW and auxiliary have gotten more involved in the fundraising efforts. He added that he’s amazed at how people in the area always come together when there is a disaster or need such as this. Anyone interested in volunteering for the event can call Wendy Thon at (507) 273-2707 or Ryan Thon at (507) 421-1767. Those wishing to donate an auction item are asked to contact Kris Kohn at (507) 251-9556 or Katie O’Connor at (507) 251-1073.