CHAIRMAN AND EVENT STAFF. The Sullivan VFW held their 12th Annual Wild Game Fry on Saturday. Pictured are members that either chaired the event or worked on the committee, from left to right: Gene Hopwood, Steve Medley, Winnie Politte, John Johnson, John Phillips, Larry Covert and Danny Jones.

By James B. Bartle
For the Sullivan VFW Post, the 12th Annual Wild Game Fry was about friends and family coming together to raise money this year for the local VFW Post. The post, like other organizations and people in general, is suffering from the weak economy and this year’s event, for the first time, benefited the local post.
Winnie Politte and Gene Hopwood each served as chairman for this year’s event.
“We began this event, actually, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall some 12 years ago and then moved it to the VFW Post,” said Politte. “Over the years, we have raised over $30,000 for various local charities and last year’s event raised money for the Shriner’s Hospital. This year is the only year that we have kept the money here at the VFW Post, and I think that’s great.”
The event included a number of items: fish, frog legs, various serving styles of venison, squirrel dumplings and pheasant.
“We wanted to express our appreciation for everyone that helped provide food, donations and cooked for this event,” said Hopwood. “Also to everyone who helped with the auction that followed the dinner.”