Community rallies for veteran's memorial fundraiser

"I love God and America, that's why I'm doing this. This memorial needs to happen," said Zach Whipple-Kilmer, who donned an acoustic guitar to deliver renditions of patriotic songs at the Elks, Saturday. He and other veteran-supporting citizens filled the Elks Lodge to help raise funds to construct a veteran memorial at Ainsworth Field.

While the Ainsworth project has been in the works for some time, organizers noted that the idea for a veteran memorial was in the cards since the planning stages, at the behest of interested local veterans who expressed a need for an accessible, quiet place to visit in solitude or to hold special ceremonies such as those performed for Memorial Day. "For years, vets and vet supporters have gathered on Main Street in front of the MIA Veterans memorial," explained Carla Parks, noting that the constant traffic and bustle in proximity made it hard to hear special speakers and focus on the ceremony. The Ainsworth Veteran Memorial layout will have an aspect of solitude, as it will be placed on the south side of the property, away from traffic. Foliage is planned to envelope the memorial and give visitors a feeling of seclusion, whether gathering as a group or quietly sitting alone.

Dubbed "The Spring Jamboree," Saturday's fundraising event served a $10 per plate dinner featuring Highlead Smokehouse's signature barbecue and coleslaw donated by Minnie's Café. Dave and Deb Oliver also provided musical entertainment with familiar country songs, old and new. Whipple-Kilmer kicked off the auction end of the program with an a capella version of the national anthem. His strong voice proved more than capable of tackling the notoriously difficult song.

Dave Oliver took over following the patriotic music, bringing his humor and reminders of the importance of the project to salute veterans in the area. "We had a lot of high priced items in the live auction," said Linda Rocheleau, who shared that the big giveaways and getaways were sought after purposely to generate higher bids and sales, "we also had about 25 items in the silent auction. We are so grateful for the generous donations provided by local businesses and individuals."

Helping with the display of auction items were boys from Mountain Meadows residential school. The students had just completed serving and cleanup of dinner and picking up guests finished plates before assisting Oliver. It was announced that the event had not one, but four 'Vanna Whites' to help the audience better view the auction items. The audience seemed confused until four boys took strolled front and center – wearing elegant evening dresses. "You guys look fantastic," laughed Oliver, "and just look at those muscles." To which the boys beamed and flexed their biceps under their spaghetti straps. "They were such good sports, and so helpful for this event," said Rocheleau of the gender-bending volunteers.

It was reported that nearly every auction item was sold for at least 'at value,' which is the key for optimum fundraising revenue (when items are sold below value, the potential those donations could bring are not realized). When the final total was counted, about $18,000 had been raised (not counting expenses), which will go toward the $30,000 goal to cover the cost of the memorial's construction. "It was a great turn out and everyone was so supportive of the memorial effort," added Rocheleau.

Organizers are emphasizing the effort continues with the sale of engraved bricks that will be installed on the floor of the memorial. The bricks purchased by supporters are the 'bread and butter' of the fundraising endeavor can be engraved to honor any veteran, active or otherwise. "The 4" x 8" bricks will greet visitors of the memorial and bear the names of the brave men and women who have selflessly served our nation," said Parks.

The cost is $50 per brick, one name per brick. Often bricks of this quality are sold for $100 to $500 dollars, but the Thompson Falls Main Street Group want to make it possible for many people to participate. To help in the construction and maintenance of the Memorial, we encourage anyone who can to add another $50 deductible contribution per brick.

For those who wish to do a tribute to a veteran that has touched his or her life, the bricks may be purchased with order forms available at Thompson Falls Library, Sanders County Courthouse, D&D Liquor, and Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge. Samples of the bricks are currently on display in Sanders County Courthouse at the Commissioners window. For any questions about the program or project, call Carla Parks at 361-5574.