Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Post gets $10K legislative grant toward new roof

Pete Fontaine
Posted 7/30/15

The ageless Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Post 2812, which has been home for countless social and fraternal events through the years, had a big reason to celebrate on Friday.

The building, which is …

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Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Post gets $10K legislative grant toward new roof

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The ageless Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Post 2812, which has been home for countless social and fraternal events through the years, had a big reason to celebrate on Friday.

The building, which is dedicated to those who have served the nation in uniform and is also home to Ralph’s catering, has been showing its age, said Commander Ron DiMaio, especially after last winter. Its 30-year-old roof, particularly, is in need of replacement.

But as DiMaio pointed out, “we’re a non-profit and have to raise our own money through a variety of events, and the new roof was going to cost approximately $21,000.”

Although the Kelley-Gazzerro Post raised $10,000 toward purchasing the new roof, the remainder of the needed funding was a long way away.

However, DiMaio and company reached out to Cranston state Sen. Frank S. Lombardi and Johnston state Rep. Stephen R. Ucci for help in form of a state legislative grant.

“After we got five different bids and the price to fix the roof that covers our upstairs hall, we decided to give it a shot, to apply for a state grant,” DiMaio said. “And soon thereafter, I thought it was God coming down. We got word we were going to get $10,000.”

Last Thursday morning, Lombardi and Ucci showed up at the VFW at 1418 Plainfield Pike in Cranston – right on the Johnston town line – and presented DiMaio with two $5,000 checks.

“We’re happy to do this,” Lombardi told DiMaio and other VFW officials. “This is an important place for lots of reasons.”

Ucci, who is the House majority whip, added: “We’re ever so happy to be able to do this. Kelley-Gazzerro Post is an important part of our communities.”

In fact, Lombardi and Ucci – as well as countless political leaders from all parts of the state – have attended functions at the Kelley-Gazzero Post, which recently received an unprecedented second straight National Award for Community Action.

“That’s what we are here for,” DiMaio said while announcing Post 2812’s unique and prestigious honor. “We do a lot for everybody, and we really enjoy it.”

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