GALT, CA (MPG) - The local chapter of the A-Z Foundation on April 6 held its fourth annual fundraising dinner. Attendees gathered at the Moose Lodge in Acampo, in support of A-Z’s programs and donations benefiting veterans, youth, and those with developmental disabilities.

Dozens of raffle, drawing and auction items presented chances to donate. Prizes included a wide array of firearms, as well as a cooler stocked with $500 of beef.

Among the live auction items were vacations to Mexico, Costa Rica and Disneyland, catering from Velvet Grill & Creamery, a guitar autographed by country musicians, and American flag-themed art pieces.

Rodney Torres, co-chair of the Galt, Lodi, Stockton branch of A-Z, highlighted the final auction item, a U.S. flag that he said was signed by 13 World War II veterans.

“It’s just amazing. There’s probably three or four (veterans) that are over 100 years old that have signed on that flag,” Torres said.

Torres was grateful for the contributions of the prize donors.

“People were so generous in our area, throughout California they love our veterans; they love our individuals with special needs; they love helping the kids; they love the organization, 

Winning auction bidders also had the option to donate $100 on top of their bid to USS Lucid, a U.S. Navy minesweeper under restoration at the Stockton Maritime Museum.

A-Z Co-Chair Joyce Horrocks said she was happy that support came from all three of the group’s communities.

“It feels really great. It just brings our communities together, and it literally makes us feel like we’re just one big family. You know, we watch out for our veterans and I’m just so proud of my communities. I truly am.”

Horrocks expected fundraising to hit a new high with the dinner.

“Last year, we raised over $115,000. This year, we’re hoping to supersede $150,000,” Horrocks said.

Horrocks spoke about how she felt once again receiving support for A-Z’s mission.

“It’s just sheer joy. … This is our fourth year of doing this and I have gotten to know our community, and we see the need in our community because (out of) everything that we raise, 25% automatically goes back into our communities. So, you know, we give to Galt; we give to Lodi; we give to Stockton,” she said.

 The group says that 80% of its net funds support its mission of aiding veterans and people with developmental disabilities, as well as supporting outdoor activities.

“And that’s the thing: The more we raise, the more that it is for our community, and we’re there for all our communities,” Horrocks said.