In an effort to give back to those who serve our country, a fundraiser will be held at the Vicksburg Moose Lodge Saturday with proceeds benefiting the Warrior Bonfire Program.

“We were just going to make a donation to the organization,” Vicksburg Moose Lodge Governor Dale McDuff said, but after listening to a presentation given by Dan Fordice, founder of the Warrior Bonfire Program, members wanted to do more.

“It was a very impressive program,” McDuff said.

“I never really kept up much with what is going on over there,” McDuff said, but after learning more about the current situation with U.S. soldiers, McDuff along with his fellow Moose Lodge members, realized men and women need the type of support the Warrior Bonfire Program offers.

The Bonfire program is designed to provide a safe setting for the men and women who have served in the military and have returned home from the war. Warriors come together and share their experiences, hopefully finding mental, physical and emotional healing.

Saturday’s fundraising event will include a barbeque chicken dinner, which will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost of the dinner is $10, McDuff said, and is available for take out or dining in.

Those who are Purple Heart recipients can eat free, he said.

In conjunction with the dinner, a cakewalk, bake sale and poker run will also be held. “The poker run is like five card stud. Motorcycle riders will go to five different places, pick up a card and when they get back to the Moose Lodge, we will see who has the best hand.”

The cost to participate in the poker run is $10 per rider.

An auction with items donated from area merchants will begin at 2 p.m.

“We are really going to have nice prizes,” McDuff said, adding if there is anyone who would still like to donate something to the auction, call 601-529-5899.

The Moose Lodge is at 2100 Fisher Ferry Road.

“We want everyone to come out and have a good time,” McDuff s said.

For more information on the Warrior Bonfire Project, visit warriorbonfireprogram.org.