STANTON — More than $400,000 has been raised for the Stanton County Veterans Memorial Park, and that number is expected to rise in the coming months.
“It’s been an exciting time with a lot of exciting donations,” said LaLene Bates, who is serving as co-treasurer of the committee. “We are so blessed in Stanton County to have so many generous people who want to honor our heroes.”
Among the excitement has been a donation of $100,000 toward the project, which is a matching pledge. Stanton County data center Jigowatt — whose chief operating officer is a veteran — has pledged to donate $100,000 if the committee can match that with other donations.
“We’ve met the $400,000 goal from private fundraising,” Bates said. “It’s businesses from the Stanton and Norfolk area. We’re now ready to open this project up to the public.”
Bates said it was important to start the effort privately to ensure there was enough support. The support, Bates said, is undeniable.
“We are so excited with where we are now, and this veterans park is absolutely going to happen,” she said.
Fundraising began for the $1.1 million project, which will be on the corner of Veterans Avenue near the Stanton County Courthouse, with a $12,000 donation after the closing of the Stanton United Methodist Church and another $5,000 donation from Grace’s Closet.
With about $19,000 in the bank, a committee was formed last spring to design the memorial and raise funds. Since then, Bates said everything has been coming together. What’s exciting, she said, is to hear the stories of people donating in honor of their friends and family.
Dustin McAtee, chief operating officer for Jigowatt, served in the U.S. Navy. CEO Michael Westhoff said McAtee is one of many reasons the company chose to make the $100,000 pledge last week.
“It’s important for me to support our veterans, like Dustin,” Westhoff said. “My grandpa and my grandma served in World War I. I have friends who are in active duty in various branches of the military. Our veterans don’t get the recognition they deserve. We are fortunate to be able to do this and to continue supporting a community that we’re proud to be in and want to be a part of.”
Bates said businesses all across the area are giving to the cause. Some donations are larger than others, but all matter and all are appreciated. She said that’s exactly what the pledge from Jigowatt represents.
“We are grateful for every size donation, and it’s going to take the entire community to make this happen. I have no doubt it will happen, though,” she said. “With a matching donation, $100 turns into $200. We’re just over $400,000 with that donation, but it will soon be more than $500,000 because of the match. That’s exciting.”
As they move forward, Bates said things are falling into place. The deed to the property will be finished in a matter of weeks. They’re also finalizing an interlocal agreement between the committee and the county.
A steering committee for fundraising, including Bates, Mike Wilke, Tim Schellpeper, Deb Hoehne, Ron Stauffer, Austin Hagood and Scott Henrickson, are spearheading the efforts. The original committee is made up of Anthony McPhillips, Bates, Wilke, Clint Warneke, Jim Campbell, Sarah Klinetobe, Henrickson and Pat Larsen.
Besides traditional donations, Bates said individuals or businesses may be interested in naming opportunities. While the archway, sign, gazebo and some flags are committed, others opportunities remain available.
Of the 12 benches, two are left. Of the military flags, three remain. Those are the Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. Also available are two of the four hexagons and four kiosks.
“We plan to put a thermometer up at the site, so everyone in Stanton County can watch as we near our goal. We hope to have a groundbreaking soon as well,” Bate said. “This memorial honors our veterans, and that’s something our community is very proud of. It will take support — big and small — from everyone to meet our goal. I believe we will be giving thanks to all the wonderful people who live here and have ties to Stanton County veterans.”
Donations for the Stanton County Veterans Memorial Park are tax deductible. They may be sent to P.O. Box 202, Stanton, NE 68779.
