Fundraiser will help keep American Legion post open

By STACY WOLFORD
swolford@yourmvi.com

“… I get by with a little help from my friends.” — The Beatles.

For more than six decades, friends have been meeting at Russ’ Tavern for a cold one after work, to watch a Pittsburgh sports game with fellow yinzers or just relax and listen to some good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll music.

The family-owned neighborhood bar has been a mainstay in the Belle Vernon business community since it opened in 1964. Like many local businesses, Russ’ has weathered some tough times over the years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, but got through them thanks to the support of dedicated patrons, family and friends.

So when owner Tommy Russell recently learned one of his neighbors — American Legion Post 659 — is facing financial difficulties, he quickly set a plan in action. Russell called upon some of his friends — who just happen to be some of the best musicians in the area — to help organize a fundraiser.

A benefit for American Legion Post 659 will kick off at 6 p.m. Friday at Russ’ Tavern, 1019 Broad Ave., featuring live music by Brandon Payne (thatpaynefulmusic), Gimic Acoustic Duo (Cj Swaney and Ron Zaladonis), Keith Wilson, Scotty Sphar, Joey Forman and more.

“When I learned about the struggles the legion was facing, I knew we wanted to do something to show our support,” said Russell. “The legion is a pillar in our community and we all owe our gratitude and support for our veterans.”

Erinn Peterson, a Belle Vernon veteran who was in the Air Force for six years, along with her husband, Kristopher, who has been in the Air Force for 18 years and is still in active duty, started a GoFundMe online fundraising page last month to raise money for the Belle Vernon American Legion post. 

They are asking the public for donations to help with “overdue bills, outstanding debts and several things in disrepair.” Those unable to donate were asked to “spread the word,” about their cause.

“Without your help, the American Legion may be forced to close its doors, leaving a void in our community that cannot easily be filled,” Erinn Peterson states on the fundraising page, which had raised $900 of a $3,000 goal as of Monday.

Donations can be made on their GoFundMe page, which can be found by searching for “Belle Vernon American Legion.”

Donors can also stop in Russ’ Tavern Friday evening where all donations, as well as a portion of their sales that evening, will go directly to Post 659.

Russell, his wife, Justine, and their son, Evan, agreed they are proud their family business can be a part of something positive to help the legion.

“A lot of veterans have come through our doors over the years and this community has always been good to us, so this just a way we can give back,” Russell said.

His musician friends were more than happy to volunteer their time and perform for the benefit.

Cj Swaney of Gimic Acoustic Duo, a U.S. Army veteran, said it is always a pleasure to perform at Russ’.

“I have played at a lot of places, but at Russ’ everyone there really appreciates the music,” Swaney said, adding that he and Zaladonis perform “straight radio — everything from the ’50s to present day.”

Joey Forman, a U.S. Navy veteran originally from Cleveland, Ohio, also performs acoustic regularly at Russ’ Tavern.

“Anything I can do to help, I’m all in,” Forman said.

Brandon Payne, who has been an acoustic performer for about 20 years, agreed.

“I immediately thought it was a great idea and it’s for a great cause, so I’m proud to be a part of it,” Payne said.

As is tradition at Russ’, they will be “passing the pig,” a stuffed animal piggy bank used for collecting tips for the performers. But on Friday, donations will go directly to the legion.

Thanks to a “little help from his friends,” Russell said he is grateful how quickly the event came together.

“We’re really hoping for a great turnout,” Russell said. “We want to make sure the Belle Vernon American Legion stays open for years to come. Our veterans deserve our support.”

Stacy Wolford is managing editor at the Mon Valley Independent.