The NIU Veterans Club is celebrating 50 years of giving to the community and NIU. The organization will host an anniversary banquet at 6:30 p.m. in the Holmes Student Center’s Blackhawk Room.

“The main thing is just to get everyone together,” said banquet coordinator Mark Mueller. “People can eat, drink and be merry.”

Mueller expects most of the about 80 people to attend will be alumni.

At the banquet, Mueller will give a media presentation that will walk through the history of the club using pictures and timelines.

A 2-inch gold metal challenge coin will also be available for purchase at the event, which will have the Veterans Club crest and “50th Anniversary” inscribed on it.

The coins are similar to military coins given out to commanders, said Jennifer Webster, president of the Veterans Club. The coins cost $10 and the club will donate the money to a charity that has yet to be decided.

The organization started in 1954 with a group returning from the Korean War. There are currently more than 20 members, but it has been as high as 200 members, Mueller said. Members must be current NIU students but not necessarily a veteran.

The club supports its own members through social and service activities. Members participate in various events, fundraisers and social events throughout the year.

The group holds outings, such as paintballing, trips to shooting ranges and a bake sale, Webster said.