Concert to raise funds for veterans memorial

By John Faucher

Members of the New London Veterans Memorial Foundation will be canvassing the area this week with posters promoting the March 6 performance of the UW Varsity Band.

Proceeds from the concert will assist in building the New London Veterans Memorial.

Foundation Secretary Jim Jaeger said that volunteers have been busy promoting the event and securing sponsors for the upcoming the band concert.

“The business sponsorships have been amazing,” said Jaeger.

They have received numerous monetary and in-kind donations for both the concert and for the future veterans’ memorial.

“The labor portion of this project is pretty much covered at this point, through the generosity of many local contractors and businesses,” said Jaeger. “That amounts to a pretty big savings on expense.”

Jaeger said the Foundation ordered the six-foot bronze eagle that will be placed on top of the obelisk.

Cost of the eagle is $12,500.

Originally, the bronze eagle was going to be added to the existing memorial during a later phase of construction; however, a local veteran and his family have generously donated the funds to purchase the eagle.

“We hope to be putting up the eagle yet this summer,” said Jaeger.

He said the group has also been busy visiting with local civic groups and presenting their plans for the veterans’ memorial.
Last weekend the group began selling raffle tickets for its gun raffle.

Tickets for the “21 gun salute” are $20 each. He said only 1,000 tickets will be sold and the drawing is set for Aug. 12 at the VFW. Winners will have their choice of gift certificates for Scheels or cash prizes.

Numerous other items will be raffled off during the UW Band concert on March 6.

Volunteers will also be conducting a 50/50 raffle drawing at the concert.

Advance tickets are $10 each or $12 at the door. Seniors and student tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Tickets are available at the New London Area Chamber of Commerce, Festival Foods, First State Bank in Dale, Wolf River Community Bank in Hortonville and Heid Music in Appleton.