Help the Family and Friends of Pam Allen Saturday November 10th at the VFW on Grand Haven Road

In a past life, I had a job and was told that, "No one gets on the air unless they pay.  Even if it's a benefit spaghetti dinner at a VFW Hall, cash is king and we don't give out air time".  I kinda scratched my head and did it anyway, because what's the worst that could happen?  Getting fired?  Been down that road before and you know...it always seemed to work out.  Whatever.  Thanks for the pep talk.




As time has gone on, I have found that there is a whole lot more to a spaghetti dinner than just a benefit.  It's a chance for all of us as a community to find a small way to give a little something back to someone and get together. It's a chance for some fellowship, a chance for some local business to show that they care and a chance to help defer the burden that people find themselves in from time to time when it comes to medical needs, final costs, catastrophic losses...you name it.  It takes a village and there is no better village than Muskegon when it comes to taking care of our own.

Pam Allen Benefit Event on Facebook

One of the "care takers" is Jack Allen Jr.  He's a devoted husband to Pam and he's out every chance he can get helping others benefits if it's for veterans causes, those with an illness or whatever.  He does it without expectation of recognition or return and he's gone on about it while doing all he can to take care of Pam who was attacked by a blood born virus years ago that hit her spinal cord and left her paralyzed.  In all the years I have known Jack, it's always been about someone else.  I didn't even know he had a wife, let alone his devotion to take care of her.  Jack has spent countless hours helping others, and it's pretty clear to see why.  He understands how hard it can be.

This Saturday, the favor will be returned.  You guessed it.  A spaghetti dinner with all the fixins'.  Raffles, music, silent auctions, donations, good cheer and maybe a tear or two.  A thankful community will come together to return the kindness paid in advance for all the others who have been given a hand by Jacks silent behind the scenes work.  The event will be held at the VFW at 5209 Grand Haven Road by the Muskegon County Airport.  Barb VanBoglen is part of the group working to out the event on.  Barb had the original idea to get the Sandy Corely Memorial Run going, so she's got a little experience in putting on a good benefit, take a listen to our talk.

You can't even get a hamburger out anymore for $10 bucks.  A fantastic spaghetti dinner, a chance to help someone who spends more time helping others than themselves and a chance to win a 50/50!!  Way better odds than the lottery.  :)  Jack is the kind of guy who'd never ask, so let's all do what we can to help get Pam what she needs and remind them that a grateful community stands behind them. If you can't make the benefit.  There is a link to the Go Fund Me page if you click on the photo below.