Guardsmen eat cake in benefit

Monday, Sept. 24, 2001 | 9:24 a.m.

As if the Nevada National Guard was not doing enough by preparing to defend the nation in the pending retaliatory strike against terrorism, now they are eating cake to benefit the American Red Cross.

The family support group of the First Squadron 221st Cavalry Regiment at the Floyd Edsall National Guard Training Center in Las Vegas recently held a bake sale that raised $500 for the Red Cross, with the bulk of the buyers being soldiers.

The bake sale is one of many events around the valley that have raised an estimated $5 million to $6 million for victims of the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington and Pennsylvania.

"Right now, we all have the same ideas for helping -- one nation, one thought," said First Sgt. James Richardson of the 1/221st.

The regiment's family support group also will hold a blood drive 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Edsall Armory.

Other acts of charity:

* The Buca di Beppo restaurant will host a spaghetti luncheon 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday with proceeds going to the Firefighters Fund of New York through the Clark County Fire Department. The cost is $7.50 per person. The restaurant is at 412 E. Flamingo Road.

* The Montara Meadows Retirement Residence will host a unity rally and pancake brunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday to benefit relief efforts. The event is free, but a $5 donation is sought. The address is 3150 E. Tropicana Ave.