Rio Linda residents support The American Legion Post 521 Hall at 6700 8th St.

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - Following the March 9 Rio Linda Little League parade, the American Legion Post 521 Hall was the place to be. 

It started as a group of American Legion Riders out front welcomed visitors to their venue. One couldn't help but notice their gleaming machines parked on the curb outside the hall at 6700 8th St.

But the afternoon at the post was especially fun because generous donors tried their luck at the American Legion Auxiliary's Bunco Tournament/Fundraiser. 

 A friendly competitive crowd rattled the dice, anticipating bragging rights to the bunco tournament. They were there to have fun and help raise funds for the American Legion’s charities.

Spearheading the event was auxiliary President Ramona Tafoya, most graciously working the room while competitors rolled the dice, trying for three-of-a kind. Simultaneously, attendees treated themselves to oversized baked potatoes with all the luscious trimmings (yes, including real bacon bits).

 Auxiliary President Ramona Tafoya proudly displayed raffle spring baskets at the annual Bunco Tournament/Fundraiser.

In addition, a raffle gained momentum with attendees hoping to score one of many ornately-decorated holiday baskets to usher in springtime.

A highly energetic and amiable President Tafoya took time between her hostess duties to explain that event proceeds benefit the American Legion's charities. 

She proudly mentioned her husband, Air Force veteran and legionnaire Gilbert Tafoya, and that the American Legion, the nation's largest veterans' organization, has a long list of beneficiaries for such events. 

The top priority is providing aid to veterans in need. In addition, the American Legion nationwide raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children's hospitals, schools and scholarships every year. 

Tafoya reminds residents of upcoming events, including the annual crab feed,  Easter egg hunt and May poppy program.

Tafoya also wanted wives of area American service veterans to join the auxiliary.  

"It’s a way to have a great time while supporting a truly worthy cause," she said.

Interested youth whose fathers or grandfathers served in the U.S. military can also qualify to be American Legion Auxiliary Juniors, according to Tafoya.. 

For more information about Rio Linda's American Legion, call the office at 916-991-9921.