Arlington Heights Legion event brings music to soldiers

The Sons of the American Legion Post 208 in Arlington Heights will host the 3rd annual Operation Happy Note fundraiser Saturday to provide musical instruments to troops serving around the globe.

The event is coordinated by the local band, The 208's, whose American Legion members have worked directly with the founders of Operation Happy Note, Barb and Bob Baker of Fergus Falls, Minn., for the past three years to raise money to cover the high cost of shipping donated musical instruments overseas.

Last year's fundraiser resulted in donations of $3,400 that helped send close to 60 instruments overseas.

The Bakers, who receive an average of 350 requests for instruments each month, will be making a personal appearance to share heartwarming stories of how music has made a difference in the morale of the more than 2,700 recipients of donated instruments over the past five years.

Two other local groups will perform a variety of blues, rock and roll and classic tunes from the '60s from 6 p.m. to midnight at 121 N. Douglas St. in Arlington Heights. Cost is $10, with food and a cash bar available. Tickets are available at the door only. For more information, go to operationhappynote.com.