Local armed forces supporters and community philanthropists are gearing up for two fundraisers this month to assist in covering expenditures from the Armed Forces Tribute.

The group that organized the tribute owes approximately $10,000 in expenses from the event.

In August, hundreds of county residents massed on the grounds of Ashe County Recreation Park to pay homage to our nation’s most patriotic and courageous citizens: active, fallen, or retired armed forces personnel.

A month after the elaborate tribute, which was brought to homes all over North Carolina via a live UNC-TV broadcast, supporters and planners from the ACAFT are still attempting to pay off the remaining expenditures from the event.

On Saturday, Oct. 25 the Lansing American Legion will hold a “chicken-que” at the Lansing Community Ballfield to help cover any remaining debt from the tribute. Tickets for the event will go on sale promptly at 11 a.m. and will continue to sell plates until the event is sold out. The $10 meal ticket will earn each patron a generous serving of one half chicken, fresh slaw, baked beans, a roll, a southern style dessert, and a beverage. If the grind of a weekend work schedule prevents one from swinging by for the cookout, a complementary delivery service will be provided to local businesses to make sure no one misses out on the delectable meal.

Also on Oct. 25, Family Central will be the site of an extravagant yard sale in which donators will drop off various items which will be sold to help tie some of the tribute’s loose financial ends. Anyone who wishes to donate items to the “Gigantic Garage Sale” can do so by dropping off items at Family Central between 9 a.m. and noon Oct. 14, 16, 21, and the 23. Items can be dropped off all day Oct. 24. For additional information concerning both fundraisers, please call (336)-977-1427.