LA GRANGE PARK VETERANS MEMORIAL UNDERWAY

Fund raising for the Community Park District of La Grange Park’s new Veterans Memorial has begun with a flourish. Since launching its fund raising campaign over the July 4th weekend there has already been nearly $2,000 in engraved brick sales and $25,000 in pledges from individuals and businesses. A Veterans Memorial Committee was formed by the Park District Board last year and is now coordinating the drive to raise $85,000 by the end of this year. When asked about his reaction to donation response, Committee Chairman Ray Wielgos said, “It is indeed heartwarming to see that residents like me see a need for a more visible tribute to past, present, and future veterans here in La Grange Park.”

The Committee’s fund raising effort has three different areas of focus. The first is by soliciting larger donations of $500 - $5,000 from individual donors and businesses. With approval from the donor, these names will appear at the Memorial site on a separate Donors Wall. The second fund raising effort is by selling engraved bricks. A larger 8”x8” brick can have up to six lines of script with up to 20 spaces per line and costs $200. The 4”x8” brick can have three lines of script with up to 20 spaces per line and costs $100. The third arm of fund raising is by soliciting existing grants and foundations. To date, two grant requests have been submitted with more being planned.

The Committee believes it will have raised all needed money on or before December 31, 2014, and will have completed all construction in time for a dedication and 1st Memorial Day celebration on or before May 26, 2014.  Forms to purchase an engraved brick can be found on the Park District website: www.cpdlgp.org, at the Recreation Center, 1501 Barnsdale Road; the Village Hall, the La Grange Park Library and several businesses around town. Those with questions are invited to call the Park District offices at 708-354-4580.