With less than a week left in its crowdfunding campaign, the Starke County Veterans Memorial is on track to meet its goal. If the effort raises $50,000 by next Tuesday, that amount will be matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.
County commissioner and project committee member Kathy Norem told the Starke County Park Board Tuesday that target will be met once the sale of commemorative pavers is taken into account. “That’s what has really gotten us forward,” she said. “I sent them $11,450 last week.”
Now, Norem said the committee has decided to increase the goal to $60,000. That extra $10,000 won’t be eligible for a match, but Norem said it would help the county cover smaller expenses, such as flags.
She pointed out that every aspect of the labor so far has been donated. “It is just amazing that people have stepped up, and that’s what’s great about Starke County,” Norem said. “That’s one of the great things about Starke County.”
As a result, project organizers were able to add a two-foot base to the pillar that will hold the bronze eagle sculpture. They’ve also added two more benches; one will contain the names of those who’ve donated their labor. Norem said the only thing left, in terms of labor, is to find someone who’s able to install the brick pavers.
Project committee members will share more details during tomorrow’s Thankful Thursday segment on the Charlie Adams Morning Show on K99.3.
