By Heather Lusk
With the sidewalk at the American Legion Post 79 shifting, sinking and becoming a bit of a hazard, manager DeeDee Woodrum decided to do something about it. She and musician Mike Waterfall organized Steppin’ Out, an evening of music, food and dance to raise money to repair the sidewalk.
But within a few weeks of announcing the event, she was amazed that individuals and businesses had already donated enough to cover the expenses. Now the event has a new purpose.
“It will be Steppin’ Out into the parking lot,” Woodrum said.
It took four years to raise enough money for a new roof, she said, so she feels it’s time to start raising enough to resurface the pothole-filled parking lot.
“We know it’s going to take $85,000 to $100,000 to have it completely redone right,” she said, “but I’m also applying for grants and such.”
If the funds raised from the evening aren’t enough to resurface a portion of the lot, Woodrum intends to put the proceeds toward refilling and patching holes.
Waterfall, a Zionsville resident and frontman of Midnight Mike and the Marauders, hopes that the benefit will do much more than just provide funding for parking lot repairs. He said it’s designed to attract people of all ages and introduce a new generation to the American Legion.
“We hope that this event will expose a significant number of young people to the charms of live music,” said Waterfall, who is also a substitute teacher at Zionsville Community Schools. “We are also looking at it as an opportunity to introduce them and others to the work that The American Legion does in support of local veterans.”
Woodrum agrees.
“I’m trying to get the word out to the young veterans now to keep the Legion going,” she said. “This is a place for them and their families. It’s so much more than a bar.”
Steppin’ Out
What: Steppin’ Out benefit concert
When: 8 p.m. to midnight Feb. 28
Where: American Legion Post 79, 9950 East 600 South, Zionsville
Cost: $5 cover charge
