There was a challenge, a battle between The American Legion and the Auxiliary. American Legion Post 91, Beebe, Ark., faced a year-long battle! In June of 2023, Post Commander Doug Warner accepted a challenge from Auxiliary President Carol Westergren that whoever’s organization raised the most money for the Children’s Welfare Foundation would get to pie the other in the face. “It was a challenge I couldn’t say no to,” Commander Warner said. Little did the commander know that Carol and the Auxiliary would not be bested.
Each organization had their pink piggy banks out during their respective functions. The Auxiliary even managed to insert a huge pink piggy bank into the mix. That should have been the first clue that the commander was in trouble. Carol and Doug had public spars (all in fun). Members of the post family, the Legion, Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and Legion Riders alike, dropped loose change and folded bills into the little pink pigs. “Pass the pig” became a familiar phrase during post activities and the little pink piggy banks were seen everywhere, anytime the post doors were open. Members of the community generously supported the competition, making contributions during Taco Tuesdays, BBQ Mondays and other community events.
On Saturday, May 18, 2024, at approximately 9:10 a.m., during a Facebook Live filming at the American Legion Post 91 building in Beebe, the results of the competition culminated in Post Commander Doug Warner getting the pie in the face from Auxiliary President Carol Westergren. While Warner was enjoying a face full of whipped cream pie complete with sprinkles, Auxiliary President Carol Westergren graciously thanked everyone and told onlookers that, as a family, the post raised $703 for the foundation with the Auxiliary raising $403. Approximately 35 people from the post and the community gathered to witness the event.
Just prior to the pie in the face, a challenge was levied for next year. It is now a 3-way race. Squadron 91, Sons of the American Legion Commander Martie Roberts accepted the challenge to compete for the 2025 pie in the face. Each organization will be accepting contributions starting immediately!
“I’d like to see the Post 91 family raise $1,000 for next year’s contribution to the children,” Commander Warner said. "It’s fun, we love a good competition within the post, and ultimately, it’s the children who win!"
