Local American Legion, Post 264 is dedicated to the communities of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood. To continue providing the services and activities it provides, they are holding a fundraising event for the community to give back, which is just around the corner.

On May 11, a benefit concert will be held at the American Legion to support its programming and events.

This is a free concert for all ages and includes the entire community.

Doors open to the public at 5:30 p.m. The program will begin with Lake Forest High School’s very own students, Clare Crawford and Sophia Zar, singing. The two of them, who recently appeared in the LFHS Talent Show, are excited to perform together again while helping fundraise for a great cause.

“I am just very excited to celebrate Veterans,” Zar said.

Following Crawford and Zar, Loan & Repo Men will take the stage.  

Loan & Repo Man will entertain the audience with a set list that spans the decades. Further, this band also has special connections to LFHS. Three of the members of Loan & Repo Men are fathers of LFHS students: guitarist Mike Lanyon (Keays Lanyon, Soph), bassist Pete Traeger (Brad Traeger, class of 2021), and drummer Mike Borkowski (John & Katy Borkowski, class of 2023). Guitarist Mike Lanyon is also an LFHS alum.

Throughout the night two different speakers will briefly comment on their experience with the American Legion Post 264.  

First, Ike Vander Velde, a 2023 LFHS graduate and Eagle Scout from BSA/Boy Scout Troop 48 which is sponsored by Post 264, will comment on the role of the Legion in the community.

The second speaker is senior Sydney Kirages. She will be speaking about her experience volunteering with the American Legion, the LFHS Veterans Day Contest, attending Illini Girls State, and being named one of ten Samsung American Legion National Scholars.

The American Legion is an integral part of the community. From hosting the Memorial Day events to Lake Forest Day, placing flags in the Lake Forest Cemetery and the Lake Forest area, offering various scholarships for the youth, as well as hosting a summer baseball league, and nominating and supporting boys and girls who participate in Girls and Boys State, the Legion’s impact can be felt across the community. 

The fundraising from this free concert will help the Legion continue its work and will raise awareness for its activities. 

“The event is meant as a positive community event, bringing everyone together to celebrate a wonderful organization!” says Loan & Repo Man band member Mike Borkowski.