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American Legion Post #24 Celebrates 25 Years of Community Service

Family Night tradition founded by local Navy veteran has raised over $250,000 for local organizations

Greg Loving

16 Jun 2025 • 2 min read

The McPherson American Legion Post #24 will mark a significant milestone next Thursday as it celebrates the 25th anniversary of its Family Night tradition. The special anniversary celebration, scheduled for June 19th from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, will honor founder Roy Wash and benefit Kansas Honor Flight through free-will donations and raffle drawings.

Wash, a Navy veteran, launched Family Night in June 2000 during his tenure as Post commander. He was "trying to think of a way to get people to come down and enjoy our facility and also to help out the different organizations in town," Wash explained in a recent interview. The event originally began as "Dollar Night" featuring $1 hamburgers, french fries, and drinks, but has since evolved into a comprehensive community gathering that includes desserts and fundraising opportunities for local nonprofits.

The impact of Family Night over the past quarter-century has been remarkable. What started with 139 people on the first night in June 2000 now regularly serves 500 to 600 community members monthly. "We've helped over 40 different organizations over the 25 years and we helped them raise money," Wash noted. The tradition has generated more than $250,000 for local causes, supporting groups ranging from Boy Scouts and Special Olympics to the McPherson High School Band and McPherson Food Bank.

Wash expressed gratitude for the community's continued support throughout the years. "Just want to say thank you. Appreciate all the different organizations that have helped us to help them and to keep our post active," he said. The anniversary celebration will feature the same welcoming spirit that has defined Family Night, with Wash emphasizing, "it's no charge, it's just whatever donation you might want to make." The event is sponsored by several local businesses and supported in part by a grant from the McPherson Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information about the celebration, contact the McPherson American Legion at 620-241-0343.