LUVERNE — Every year for more than 20 years, the 2nd District American Legion Commander has completed a special project for the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne.
Cindy Brunk, who recently wrapped up her service as 2nd District Commander, celebrated the culmination of her one-year term by dishing up soft-serve ice cream to residents and guests in the home’s dining hall. The tasty treat came from a new soft-serve ice cream machine purchased following a fundraising campaign led by Brunk.
The many donations made it possible for the home to purchase the $7,000 machine. With the money left over, it could buy the products for making the ice cream.
“I have 84 posts and not every post gave, but there were personal donations and business donations,” Brunk said.
The ice cream machine was unveiled July 28, with more than 100 people in attendance, including residents, American Legion members and families.
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“Every year we ask them what they need,” Brunk said of the veterans home. “Getting the ice cream out of pails was always very hard, and ice cream is a real nice treat for them.”
“It’s not going to be a daily thing or a weekly thing,” added Duane Mabon, Volunteer Services Coordinator. “We’re going to try to use it on special occasions or for special events.”
The machine will save time during those special days when ice cream is served.
“The Luverne vets home was involved in making sure we got a machine that was workable for them, and made sure the staff knew how to run it,” Brunk added.