The public is invited out at $25 per person to save the nonprofit organization supporting area veterans
Facing rising costs and declining membership, the William E. Hare Lansdale American Legion Post 206 Home Association is trying to raise funds and buy time to revamp and revitalize its future.
Adjutant Bryce Hart put out a call on Facebook to the public to come out and help save the Home Association this Sunday at a $25-per-person Beef & Beer at the Post at 43 W. 2nd St., Lansdale, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The fundraiser will have food, domestic draft beer, soda, and music by DJ V-ROC, as well as door prizes, raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle.
The Legion is sponsored by the Sons of The American Legion, with Post Commander Clifford Booz and Hart overseeing operations. Post amenities include a canteen, hall rental, and a bar, overseen by the Home Association.
Smoking is allowed inside the bar. However, there will be no smoking during the fundraiser, as with all Legion public events.
Lansdale American Legion requires $35 annual dues.
Advocating for Veterans Since 1919
Founded by an Act of Congress after World War I, The American Legion has advocated for veterans and active-duty personnel, mentored youth, and strengthened communities, according to its website.
Since 1919, The American Legion has operated with a purpose to serve those who have served, strengthen the nation, and uphold the values that define American democracy, according to its website.
The nonprofit American Legion Auxiliary Post 206 has been serving the Lansdale community for more than 100 years; its efforts, and those of volunteers, have bolstered the annual Memorial Day ceremonies in Lansdale.
A chartered program of the American Legion, the Auxiliary does not manage property or the liquor license. It strictly exists for volunteer support and programming.
How American Legion posts operate — and why a Home Association might be at risk
American Legion posts function as local chapters of the national American Legion, with each post made up of military veterans who served during federally recognized periods of conflict.
Its mission includes supporting veterans and their families, promoting patriotism, hosting community events, and providing charitable service.
Posts typically have elected officers, volunteer committees and membership meetings that guide budgeting, building upkeep, outreach programs and charitable giving.
To support these activities, many posts also maintain a Home Association — a separate nonprofit or incorporated entity responsible for managing the physical property, bar, social hall, rentals and day-to-day operations of the building.
This structure exists largely because the American Legion itself, as a veterans organization, cannot directly run a bar or social club under state law.
Most posts, like Post 206, rely heavily on social-club revenue — bar sales, rentals, events and fundraisers — to pay the bills.
As older veterans age out and fewer younger veterans join, income drops. When revenue cannot keep up with overhead, a Home Association begins to fall behind on utilities, taxes, repairs or even mortgage payments.
Many Legion buildings are decades old and require expensive upkeep — roof replacements, ADA upgrades, HVAC systems, kitchen equipment or fire-suppression systems.
For example, the building at 43 W. Second St. was built in 1920, according to county property records.
Furthermore, a Home Association also faces challenges with liquor license issues and fees, with internal governance issues involving active volunteer leadership to manage budgets, staffing, and compliance, and with the threat of losing its nonprofit status or compliance issues.
The Lansdale Post 206 is not alone in its fight – area Legions would also strengthen with support from area veterans and the public.
Nearby Legions include Post 933 in Hatfield Township at 2100 Koffel Road, Post 234 in Souderton Borough at 353 N. Main St., Post 255 in Sellersville at 75 N. Main St., PA Post 203 in Schwenksville, and PA Post 280 in Perkasie.
