Mason City Arlee Theater to host fundraiser event to benefit American Legion Jackson-Keen Post 496

[February 18, 2024] 

The Arlee Theater is honored to host a benefit for Mason City’s American Legion Jackson-Keen Post #496 on Sunday, February 25. With doors opening at 1:30 p.m. and festivities beginning promptly at 2 p.m.  Admission to this event is by donation toward the Legion. As guests find their seats, a slideshow will run on screen, showing photos of veterans from Mason City throughout the years.

Additionally, members of the Legion will be at a table in the front of the auditorium to discuss volunteer opportunities and possible membership, should anyone wish to get involved.

At 2 p.m. Dick Whitley and Maggie Sanderfield will speak, sharing how the American Legion supports patriotism in Mason City, and Maggie will share unique insight as to a slice of Mason City history through her father, who served and was mentored by Art Struck, who owned the Arlee at the time. After their presentations, the John Wayne film “The Fighting Seabees” will play.

Mason City’s American Legion is a cornerstone of this community, providing not only a venue for events in town, but also is responsible for the incredible flag display put up in the park and in the cemetery every Memorial Day weekend, and also provides burian honors for veterans, as well as a live playing of Taps (where many places rely on a recording instead) and sponsoring the Medallion award given to local students annually.

Many people may not realize that the requirements to join the Legion changed in 2019 on a national scale; previously, members were required to have served during one of seven declared war periods, however now anyone who has a DD 214 (discharge papers) is welcome to become a member. While he himself served as a Seabee, local member Dave Bannister commented, “any age, any branch is welcome.” No military background is required to volunteer.

As would be expected, maintaining the Legion hall and its cause comes with some hefty costs, and to help offset them, the Arlee, along with a generous anonymous donation that was requested to be used in a way that benefits Veterans, has offered to host this benefit. Admission to the movie is completely free, but donations will be accepted at the door toward the Legion.

For any additional information, please use the Arlee’s “contact us” form at www.
arleetheater.com  or leave a message at 214-482-9999. If you’d like to have any photos included in the slideshow, please email them along with a few words about the person in the image and how they served to arleetheater
@gmail.com. 

The Arlee is a historic art deco movie theater and live concert venue, located at 139 S. Main Street in Mason City, IL.

[Arlee Theater]