Charity Events and Fundraisers

The American Legion Auxiliary’s mantra is “Empowering Members, Inspiring Communities”.  Initially organized by women who were left to deal with day-to-day living while their men went to Europe in WWI, these ladies vowed to continue their supportive role when the veterans of WWI founded the American Legion in 1919.  With succeeding generations, the Auxiliary is a million members strong and leading hundreds of volunteer programs and donating thousands of hours to communities and veterans.  

Our Auxiliary members have achieved their own unique identity while working side-by-side with the Sons of the American Legion and Legionnaires by leading or supporting all events at Post 109. Team Mesquite Beetle is proud to support Post 109 Auxiliary with Charity Contributes from Mesquite Beetle Mill and Workshop Services.

To learn More about Post 109 Auxiliary or become a member, Visit the Post 109 Website.

Need specifics how Post 109 Auxiliary makes a difference for Communities and  Veterans

We want to thank those making charity contributions through Mesquite Beetle Mill and Workshop. To date, Team Mesquite Beetle has raised $1,310 for Post 109 Auxiliary.

Anza Trail Coalition of Arizona.  The Anza Trail Coalition of Arizona is composed of volunteers who provide support services for the Arizona section of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic under a 501C Charity Program. Routinely Walnut Trees are harvested to preserve access and safety of the trail. Mesquite Beetle Mill and Workshop has teamed with Anza Trail Mangers to make the harvested Arizona Walnut available to the public. All non-overhead proceeds from the sale of logs and slabs go to the 501C Charity to help support upkeep on the trail. Want to learn more, donate to the cause, and or become a volunteer? Just click on the link above. Learn More About Walnut From Mesquite Beetle.

As of 16 Jan 25, Team Mesquite Beetle has sponsored two fund raisers totaling nearly $2,570 that supports upkeep and access to the Arizona portion of the Anza Trail.

We want to thank the dozens of wood artisans who have purchased Arizona Native Walnut Logs and Slabs to support the Mission of the Anza Trail Coalition of Arizona. Acquire Arizona Walnut for your next project through Mesquite Beetle.

Friends of Mesquite Beetle Mill and Workshop, Crosspoint Lutheran Church, the Green Valley Amateur Radio Club (GVARC), and Woodworkers Source of Tucson AZ, teamed together to raise funds and awareness for homeless veterans in Southern Arizona through Esperanza En Escalante in Tucson AZ.  

More than 20 artisans agreed to compete with their custom crafted creations for prizes and bragging rights in the 1st ever Mesquite Beetle Live Edge Shootout.  Once competition was completed, all items were to be Auctioned to raise funds supporting Homeless Veterans' in Southern Arizona during the Christmas Holiday.

Due to many pressing issues, Team Mesquite Beetle had to bring the “Live Edge Shootout” and Auction to a close.  On a positive note, an anonymous associate from Tempe HS class 72', made a generous donation for the event. Overall $3,000 was raised in-spite of Shootout and Auction cancellation.

We do want to thank the friends of Mesquite Beetle Mill and Workshop, who did step up to help.

Mesquite Beetle Mill and Workshop, Crosspoint Lutheran, and the Green Valley Amateur Radio Club teamed together with the Bayar family to raise funds for their recent arrival to Tucson AZ from Ukraine.

Amin and Ilona Bayar and their 2 children, Sophia and Alsu arrived in Los Angeles in September 2022 after leaving the bombings and their home in Kyev, Ukraine. Our friends, Paul and Katrina Merems, initially hosting them in their home in Tucson.

The Bayar's prepared a four course Ukranian Feast for 50 Guests.  Everyone loved the wonderful dishes prepared by the Bayar's. 

Fundraiser activities included Auction of 11 Framed Bead Art creations by Ilona Bayar.  Team Mesquite Beetle Mill and Workshop also provided many wood and crafted creations for auction.  Altogether the single event from auction and cash contributions was over $6,700. An additional $5,000 was donated to support transportation needs for the Bayar's.

The Bayar's and Team Mesquite Beetle were deeply appreciative for everyone's participation and contributions.

Friends of Mesquite Beetle Mill and Workshop and the American Legion Post 109  teamed together to raise funds for Post 109 Veteran Out Reach Programs.

Team Mesquite created over 30 Auction/raffled wood crafted items from the Mesquite Beetle Mill and Workshop alone.  Auction and raffled items included; custom wood turnings, shelves/cheese boards, hollowed vases and bowls, water color paintings, and quilts of valor. 

A big thanks goes to Jeff McIntyre for his awesome work, craftsmanship, and vision for this fundraiser.  Over $6,500 was raised to support Post 109 Veteran Programs.   Also thanks to all the Post 109 Members who pitched in to make this event not only successful but a lot of fun as well.   I also want to thank members of the Green Valley Amateur Radio Club, and the aviation and woodworking friends of Mesquite Beetle Mill and Workshop.

 Mesquite Beetle Mill and Workshop, Tempe High School Class of '72, Crosspoint Lutheran, and the Green Valley Amateur Radio Club teamed together to raise funds and awareness for homeless veterans in Southern Arizona through Esperanza En Escalante in Tucson AZ.  

The mission of Esperanza En Escalante is to provide transitional and permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans and veterans' families, as well as offer social rehabilitation in order to nurture and support the transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Their Website is:  https://eeeveterans.org/

 Nine Artisans donated over 60 items for auction and raffle drawings that included custom wood crafted bowls, vases, shelves/cheese boards, wood carvings, lamps/games, water color paintings, musical instruments, and quilts of valor. 

Team Mesquite Beetle deeply appreciated everyone's participation and generous contributions . The  Auction brought in over $13,000 in donations.  Again a huge thank you to members of the Tempe HS Class of  '72, The Green Valley Amateur Radio Club, and Crosspoint Lutheran Church.