LABELLE — The 14th Annual Fallen Heroes Benefit will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8, in LaBelle. This event benefits the Veterans Memorial Parkat the intersection of State Road 80 and State Road 29 in the heart of LaBelle and is a valued asset to the community.

Prior to the benefit there will be a program at the Veterans Park at 9:30 a.m., with local Honor Guard and dignitaries. Then on to the LaBelle American Legion, located at 699 S.R. 80, for the benefit festivities. Dinners will be available for a donation of $10 starting at 11 a.m. and will continue until 3 p.m. or until sold out. Meals will include a pork steak with cheesy potatoes, baked beans and a brownie. There will be music, a 50/50 drawing, cake auction, silent auctions and more throughout the event.

Each year this benefit has been a joint community project co-sponsored by the members of the American Legion Post 130, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10100, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 144 and many other loyal volunteers.

At this time,  donations are sought to help offset the cost of the annual event. A community project such as this is a proud moment when we can give 100% of our proceeds to the benefit. If you have something you would like to donate please call the American Legion at 864-675-8300 or the LaBelle VFW at 863-675-8008. Your help will be greatly appreciated and supported by the members of these local civic groups.

Please plan on attending and helping us remember the reason the benefit was started and continues to honor all veterans.

The LaBelle Veterans Memorial Park Benefit is a non-profit 501c that gathers once a year to raise funds to honor our hometown heroes. This is not a memorial site to remember the fallen, but a place in the center of our town to celebrate and honor the men and women living and passed, who have sacrificed and served our country.

It was originally started in honor of Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher D. Strickland and Chief Warrant Officer Robert Hammett Jr., two local men killed in action in 2008.

The committee would like to thank the many businesses and individuals who have donated their time and monies to help improve the LaBelle Veterans Memorial Park, year after year.

Also, to thank each individual for their donation. Thank you, for always remembering and honoring those who have sacrificed so much, and continued to do so for our freedom.