Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Representatives of the third annual Warren County Veterans Council Emergency Fund Benefit spaghetti dinner present a check for $3,800 to Delores Stec of the Veterans Council. Pictured (from left) are: Gene and Barb Bailey of Affordable Hauling, Stec, Tammy Smith, Laura Van Houten, and Peggy Piche of Cabin in the Pines, and Pam and Scott Hollabaugh of Rusted Nutz Garage.

Serving up spaghetti to benefit those who served.

The number of requests on the Warren County Veterans Council emergency fund is up.

A local fundraiser brought in thousands of dollars to help keep that fund at a level where it can continue to benefit county veterans.

The Warren County Veterans Council Emergency Fund Benefit Spaghetti Dinner was held Sept. 12. The event, sponsored by Rusted Nutz Garage and Affordable Hauling and held at Cabin in the Pines, raised $3,800 for the emergency fund.

“This is our third year,” Gene Bailey of Affordable Hauling said. “100 percent of what is gathered at these meals goes to the veterans.”

The organizers thanked the other businesses and individuals who donated their money and time to the event.

“We are very fortunate for all the volunteer help we get,” Scott Hollabaugh of Rusted Nutz said. “There are so many volunteers.”

Bailey singled out Elaine Powers of Keystone Oilfield Supply worked as a volunteer and contributed $500 to the cause.

“We need to totally support our veterans,” Barb Bailey said. “They serve us. We need to support them.”

Both Affordable Hauling and Rusted Nutz are veteran-owned businesses.

“We are veterans and we support veterans,” Hollabaugh said. “We try to do something big every year.”

The first event was held in 2018. Due to COVID-19 there was no 2020 event.

Planning for a February 2022 event is under way.

“I’d love to have more sponsors,” Gene Bailey said. “I want to do $6,000 in February. The need is great.”

“Corporate sponsors would be encouraged,” Hollabaugh said.

“The emergency fund has been used quite a bit since January due to the COVID pandemic,” Warren County Veterans Affairs Director and Veterans Council President Delores Stec said. “The council thanks them sincerely for the donation. 100 percent stays here in Warren County for the veterans.”