American Legion Post donates to Bay Pines VA Fisher House

The largest American Legion post in the United States, Post 273, presented a donation from its membership to the Bay Pines VA Fisher House during its annual open house at the C.W. Bill Young VA in early June.

The check for $29,889.28 is the second sizeable check presented by Post 273 in the past six months.

“We continue to be humbled by the generosity of organizations throughout the area who give back in support of the Fisher House mission,” said Shentrela Diggins, manager of Bay Pines VA Fisher House. “This donation will go to the purchase of essential items service members, Veterans, families and caregivers need when they reside at the Fisher House.”

Diggins added that loved ones often arrive to the Fisher House not knowing the length of their stay. Through donations, the Fisher House can provide those family members with necessary items, ease worry and allow them to remain focused on helping their loved ones heal.   

Nearly $110,000 has been donated to the Bay Pines VA Fisher House in FY2023.

“We’re honored to have American Legion Post 273 as partners.”

“It just warms my heart that organizations like Post 273 and countless others choose us and those we serve when they decide to give back. Our local community is full of Veterans and families who know what it’s like because they all served. I don’t think they know how much we respect each of them for paying it forward to those we serve now and in the future,” Diggins said.

Pictured above, members of American Legion Post 273 presented Shentrela Diggins (second from left), Bay Pines VA fisher House manager, and Paul M. Russo (second from right) Bay Pines VA director, with the check for more than $29,000 during the Fisher House’s annual Open House in June.

The open house serves as an invitation to community organizations to stop by and learn more about the resources the Fisher House provides to the Bay Pines VA community.

“There is no group who loves Veterans more than the organizations and leaders who support Bay Pines VA,” added Bay Pines VA Director and CEO Paul M. Russo. “We’re honored to have Veterans organizations like American Legion Post 273 as long-standing partners in our mission to provide world-class health care, services and support to Veterans, families and caregivers.”

Bay Pines VA Fisher House is preparing for the grand opening of its second house on the Bay Pines campus this fall next to Fisher House 1.