VFW, Legion Host Veterans Night in New Haven
Annual event at Trinity Bar and Restaurant raises funds for veterans groups and a Southern Connecticut State University scholarship.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Would you attend a local event that raises money for veterans' organizations?
VFW New Haven and the American Legion hosted their annual Veterans Night at Trinity Bar and Restaurant in New Haven on Friday. Entry fees and a raffle raised money for the two organizations and the Jack Mordente scholarship at Southern Connecticut State University.
Why it matters
The fundraiser helps the two veterans organizations cover their programming throughout the year and supports students at a local university. The event is held in the lead-up to Veterans Day, drawing attention to local veterans' causes.
The source reports no dollar totals or attendance figures for the event. Funds are raised through a door entry fee and a raffle, but the amounts collected were not disclosed.
The players
VFW New Haven
A local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars that organizes veterans' events and programs in New Haven.
American Legion
A national veterans service organization that co-hosted the Veterans Night fundraiser with VFW New Haven.
Southern Connecticut State University
A public university in New Haven that receives scholarship funds from the event and is hosting a week of veterans programs.
The details
The annual Veterans Night was organized by VFW New Haven and the American Legion at Trinity Bar and Restaurant. Attendees paid an entry fee at the door, no veteran status was required to attend, and a raffle offered prizes; some of the proceeds will go toward the Jack Mordente scholarship.
Timeline
Friday night (week of November 7, 2026): Veterans Night held at Trinity Bar and Restaurant.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026: Veterans Day is observed nationally.
Mid-November 2026: Southern Connecticut State University hosts a week of veterans programs.
Philanthropy Landscape
Local VFW and American Legion posts have long relied on recurring community fundraisers like Veterans Night to fund their year-round programs. This New Haven event follows that pattern, pairing veterans' support with a scholarship tied to a local university.
Residents who want to support local veterans can attend similar community events and fundraisers in New Haven during the Veterans Day season. Attending these events directly contributes to the programs the organizing groups run throughout the year.
The takeaway
Supporting local veterans organizations often starts with showing up to community events like Veterans Night. Checking local posts' calendars ahead of Veterans Day can help residents find similar opportunities to give.
What happens next
Southern Connecticut State University is hosting a week of veterans programs the following week in mid-November 2026.
Further reading
For more on local giving efforts, see Philanthropy coverage in New Haven.
Live Poll
Would you attend a local event that raises money for veterans' organizations?
