By Phil Cazella, Past Commander, American Legion Post 237 (Pleasanton, CA)
When I first joined the American Legion, I didn’t give much thought to fundraising. I figured it was something we did a few times a year, usually involving raffles, BBQs, or a pancake breakfast and somehow, the bills got paid. But when I became Post Commander, I quickly realized that keeping a Post active and visible in the community takes more than dues and tradition. It takes consistent effort, teamwork, and creative ways to engage the people around us.
Over the past few years, I’ve learned that fundraising isn’t really about money. It’s about connection. When our Post started approaching fundraising as a way to build relationships, not just raise dollars, everything changed. Sponsors began calling us before we called them. Community members showed up for events they had never attended before. Even our volunteers began to see how their work directly supported the Legion’s mission.
That’s what inspired me to write Fundraising the Veteran Way, a practical guide for veteran organizations that want to strengthen their connection to the community while keeping things fun and sustainable. In the book, I share lessons learned from the field, ideas that worked, mistakes that didn’t, and the mindset shift that changed the way I operate. Inside, the reader will find practical examples, from organizing successful bingo nights and community calendars to running poppy drives that truly engage the public.
Some of my favorite lines from the book are simple but powerful:
“Sustainable fundraising starts with fun. Don’t think of it as collecting money. Think of it as building a team that’s excited to do good together.”
That’s really what this is about. The more people enjoy participating in what we do, the more they want to stay involved, and the more our Posts thrive. If your Post is looking for ways to grow community engagement, bring in new members, and build a reliable foundation for years to come, I invite you to check out the book and share it with your officers and volunteers.
You can find Fundraising the Veteran Way: Practical Ideas to Build Support and Strengthen Community now on Amazon.
Together, we can make sure every Post in California, and across the country, remains a visible force for good in our communities.
For God and Country,
Phil Cazella
Past Commander, American Legion Post 237
Pleasanton, California
Author: caLegion Contributor
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