Past Events

Left to Right: Erica Kubea, Bill Thomas, Diane Tatman, Regina Goldman, Jane Thomas, Crystal Kahut

Our Story

‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ began in early 2018 when Gavin Long, now Commander, challenged Bill Thomas to “come up with a large money-maker” for the Post, the SAL, or the Auxiliary. After some careful thought, a Basket Raffle Lunch was in the works. The auxiliary’s Regina Goldman was instantly on board. For the next year and a half, the two would have daily car phone meetings and brainstorm every aspect. Late in 2019, Diane Tatman, Crystal Kahut, and Bill’s wife Jane joined them to finish the plans and sell out an April 13, 2020 event in the banquet room, with the anticipation of raising $5,000. Our generous Legion Family shared the excitement and donated more than enough raffle baskets and bought 200 tickets to the event.

March 2020 was a bad month for the ‘Girls’ team. With the COVID shutdown, the lunch was cancelled. Early Summer, 2019, Diane Tatman reminded us that her extra bedrooms were still packed full of more than $12,000 worth of prizes, gifts, TV’s, bikes and more. According to Diane, “I am tired of dusting all of this stuff.” Come to find out, Post 598 is blessed with 8 acres of open park space. The event was moved outdoors and was rescheduled for September 2020 with at least 20 feet between the tables. With a live band, as part of the new plan, the Team was able to sell 350 tickets to the event and raised $13,000.

Now after 6 years of hard work, this same team, mostly still together, can proudly boast attendance of over 700, raffle prizes valued more than $35,000 annually, and a 6-year total of almost $150,000 raised. These efforts have made a truly impactful difference within our veteran community.

2025 Title Sponsor

Website ALA598.Org Sponsor

Wine Sponsor

Official Orthopedic Doctors of GJWTHF

Dr. Jan Saunders, D.O. Sports Medicine

Dr. Paul Gleason, MD, Hand Surgery

Main Sponsors

‘General’ Sponsors

1 Star ‘General’ Sponsor: $50 2 Star ‘General’ Sponsor: $100 3 Star ‘General’ Sponsor: $250 4 Star ‘General’ Sponsor: $500 5 Star ‘General’ Sponsor: $1,000

Cash Sponsors are still in development, more coming soon.

FIVE STAR SPONSORS Enlightened Medical Care Nicki Cochran

FOUR STAR SPONSORS Diana Geiger John & Beth Horvath Cindy & Matt Deppen American Legion SAL 598

THREE STAR SPONSORS Marriott at the University of Dayton Theresa Jackson Civista Bank

TWO STAR SPONSORS Linda Lowman Mary Poeppelmeier Debbie Jaruseiwic Julie Moon Jimmy Price Rumpke Crystal Kahut Mary Jo Ellis Jim Cox Joann Svellinger

ONE STAR SPONSORS Stella Moulas

Basket Sponsors

Support These Locations and Their Workers

Acquisition Team

Linda Dunnington Regina Goldman Karen Lewis Bill Thomas Joann Flynn Gavin Long

Photos

If you or your business would like to make a difference with your support, please contact Bill Thomas at [email protected]

Please notify Bill Thomas if you plan on making a basket donation. We want to make sure you get recognition for your generosity.

Email [email protected] with an item description, phone number, and your home address.

Basket Drop Off is Tuesday, September 16 in the banquet room.

It’s back—our most anticipated event of the year! “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” returns Saturday, September 20, 2025, to the Post 598 Back Yard and Ballroom, and we’re expecting a full house of 600–700 ladies ready to make a difference. With 225+ gift baskets and certificates valued at over $30,000 from generous local businesses, this is more than a party—it’s a powerhouse fundraiser.

In just five years, we’ve raised over $102,000 to support veterans and active military
families. Thanks to your support, we’ve:

• Provided a custom AMBUCS bike and a state-of-the-art power wheelchair to local veterans.
• Supplied the VA with critical items and supported Blue Star Mothers in sending care packages overseas.
• Delivered food and clothing baskets to those in need.
• Funded a life-changing service dog for a veteran right here in our community.

In 2023, we directed our efforts to the Joseph House, helping open a brand-new facility in June 2024 for veterans and families healing from PTSD and addiction. Our own Honor Guard stood proudly at the ribbon cutting.

In 2024, we focused on our deployed service members, empowering the Dayton Blue Star Mothers to send care packages on behalf of Post 598.

In 2025, we’re answering a call that resonates deeply within our community—the urgent need to support homeless female veterans. Our very own AJ Whatley, 2024–2025 Commander of the American Legion Department of Ohio, has embraced this cause wholeheartedly, partnering with Dianne Smith-Foster, the Homeless Programs Manager at the Dayton VA. Dianne is more than a coordinator—she’s a compassionate force on the frontlines, championing dignity, stability, and hope for hundreds of veterans in crisis. Her tireless efforts include hosting outreach events like Stand Down, distributing winter gear and supplies, and helping veterans navigate housing solutions through the VA’s housing-first model. Thanks to her leadership, fewer veterans return to homelessness—and more find safe shelter, supportive services, and community.

This partnership represents more than a shared mission—it’s a bold stand for those who’ve served and sacrificed, reminding them they are never forgotten. With your support, we’ll uplift these women and provide critical resources that change lives. Together, we’re not just throwing a party—we’re building a legacy of compassion, service, and strength.

Women veterans to be served for the first time at new Joseph House facility (wcpo.com)

See our Combined Honor Guard at work today starts around the 11-minute mark and lasts until 18-minute mark,

It’s back—our most anticipated event of the year! “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” returns Saturday, September 20, 2025, to the Post 598 Back Yard and Ballroom, and we’re expecting a full house of 600–700 ladies ready to make a difference. With 225+ gift baskets and certificates valued at over $30,000 from generous local businesses, this is more than a party—it’s a powerhouse fundraiser.

In just five years, we’ve raised over $102,000 to support veterans and active military
families. Thanks to your support, we’ve:

• Provided a custom AMBUCS bike and a state-of-the-art power wheelchair to local veterans.
• Supplied the VA with critical items and supported Blue Star Mothers in sending care packages overseas.
• Delivered food and clothing baskets to those in need.
• Funded a life-changing service dog for a veteran right here in our community.

In 2023, we directed our efforts to the Joseph House, helping open a brand-new facility in June 2024 for veterans and families healing from PTSD and addiction. Our own Honor Guard stood proudly at the ribbon cutting.

In 2024, we focused on our deployed service members, empowering the Dayton Blue Star Mothers to send care packages on behalf of Post 598.

In 2025, we’re answering a call that resonates deeply within our community—the urgent need to support homeless female veterans. Our very own AJ Whatley, 2024–2025 Commander of the American Legion Department of Ohio, has embraced this cause wholeheartedly, partnering with Dianne Smith-Foster, the Homeless Programs Manager at the Dayton VA. Dianne is more than a coordinator—she’s a compassionate force on the frontlines, championing dignity, stability, and hope for hundreds of veterans in crisis. Her tireless efforts include hosting outreach events like Stand Down, distributing winter gear and supplies, and helping veterans navigate housing solutions through the VA’s housing-first model. Thanks to her leadership, fewer veterans return to homelessness—and more find safe shelter, supportive services, and community.

This partnership represents more than a shared mission—it’s a bold stand for those who’ve served and sacrificed, reminding them they are never forgotten. With your support, we’ll uplift these women and provide critical resources that change lives. Together, we’re not just throwing a party—we’re building a legacy of compassion, service, and strength.

Women veterans to be served for the first time at new Joseph House facility (wcpo.com)

See our Combined Honor Guard at work today starts around the 11-minute mark and lasts until 18-minute mark,

CLICK HERE to see how our last event in 2023 went!