Members of the Guns N' Hoses Committee gather in front of the Stevens Point Police Dept. on Aug. 25 to preset a check for $4,222 for local veteran groups. (Metro Wire photo)

Guns N’ Hoses rakes in big bucks despite rainy event

August 27, 2021August 27, 2021

Metro Wire Staff

The Portage Co. Guns N’ Hoses organization raise $4,222 for local veterans in August.

The group, comprised of representatives from local veteran services organizations, the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office, police departments in Stevens Point and Plover, and the Stevens Point Fire Department, eased back into fundraising action with an Aug. 7 cookout at Pfiffner Pioneer Park.

The cookout was held in lieu of the group’s annual cops-versus-firefighters softball game at Bukolt Park.

Despite the rain, Guns N’ Hoses organizer Traci Tauferner said the group was pleased with the turnout.

“We even got a bunch of donations after the event,” Tauferner said. “It really shows how generous the community is.”

*Sheriff Mike Lukas (right) with several members of his department at a Guns N’ Hoses cookout on Aug. 7. (Metro Wire photo)*

Proceeds will benefit the Portage County Allied Veteran Council Veterans Relief Fund, which goes to help local veterans in need of financial assistance. All the money stays local, according to Sheriff Mike Lukas.

With the 2021 fundraiser, Guns N’ Hoses has brought in over $134,000 for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, the Portage Co. Veterans Emergency Services Fund, and other local veteran causes since 2014.

Donations for Guns N’ Hoses can be made anytime at the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office, 1500 Strongs Ave., the Stevens Point Police Department, 933 Michigan Ave., the Plover Police Department, 2420 Post Rd., or the Stevens Point Fire Department, 1701 Franklin St.