American Legion Auxiliary Hosts Spaghetti Dinner Tonight at the American Legion Hall

The American Legion Auxiliary is hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser tonight at the American Legion beginning at 4 p.m.

The dinner is just one of the ways the American Legion Auxiliary supports the troops and families of military service men and women.

The fundraiser will also help support a cause that's dear to Auxiliary members - Girls State.

Girls State brings together junior girls from all over the state of Iowa who share a desire to want to learn and lead their generation in years to come.

Delegates are chosen by the various American Legion Auxiliary units in Iowa and receive a scholarship paid for to the Girls State conference in Ames. 

Mikaya Vetter, 17, of Urbandale and a senior at received the Auxiliary scholarship this year and attended Girls State in June on the Iowa State University campus.

Vetter said the experience was an eye opener.

"I was told a lot about waht to expect and what I would learn but I ended up coming away with with more than that. I made so many friends from all over Iowa. It was cool to get to know them and at the same time learning so much about government in our cities and the state."

Vetter says while she may have known very little about the American Legion Auxiliary before, Girls State and her subsequent involvement in Waukee's unit has taught her a lot.

"I really didn't know much about the auxiliary in general," she said. "After I had gone to Girls State, they wanted me to give a report so I got to sit in on the meeting. It was cool to hear how they want to do outreach and everyone volunteers."

Would she recommend it to other young women her age?

"I definitely would. I was hesitant but it was so awesome. It's a life experience I will never forgot," she said.

Some of the proceeds from this year's spaghetti dinner will go toward sending another girl to Girls State next year.

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American Legion Auxiliary Spaghetti Dinner

Where: American Legion, 410 S. Sixth St.

When: Wednesday, 4-7 p.m.

Cost: $4 for children and $7 for adults.

Details: Spaghetti with Graziano Sausage meatballs will be served in addition to a salad, garlic bread or rolls, dessert, and a beverage. All proceeds wil go to support efforts by the American Legion Auxiliary.