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$250,000 Pledge Provides Catalyst for Highground Rising Campaign

A $250,000 pledge has been given by the Listeman Foundation for The Highground Rising, the private $4M capital campaign to build a Welcome Center at The Highground and support additional Park improvements.

“The Listeman Foundation has been supporting The Highground since funding the initial property purchase in 1985. The Listeman Foundation’s contribution to the current capital campaign demonstrates our ongoing commitment to honor the memory and sacrifice of all who have given service to our country,” said Bennie Urlaub, liaison to the Listeman Foundation.

A Donor Challenge is currently underway until June 8. To date, dozens of contributors have given more than $170,000 since April 8. The donors who have challenged other private individuals, businesses and organizations to consider giving another $400,000 include the Listeman Foundation, Wuethrich Foundation, the Casper Rutledge Foundation and several anonymous contributors.

Key features of the expansion will include:

  • A 12,000 square-foot Welcome Center with space for larger events, meetings, and programs, as well as mental health services
  • Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring access to the entire Park and all memorial sites for disabled Veterans and visitors
  • Improved parking which will allow for safer access to the over 15 tributes and the Welcome Center
  • Increased financial stability and long-term sustainability with the pay-off of the $450,000 mortgage.

Uniquely, The Highground is one of the country’s largest privately-funded, continuously-staffed Veterans parks in the nation. The Highground and Camp Victory is located in pristine Central Wisconsin on two breathtaking campuses. The 155-acre Park, located just west of Neillsville along Highway 10, features a breathtaking view from the Plaza. Camp Victory is located north of the main site on 295 lush, wooded acres. The organization has received limited government funding in its 35-plus year history.

The organization pays tribute to Veterans of the past, present and future with a mission to Honor, Educate and Heal. Annual visitors are on the rise with over 225,000 expected in the future.

Campaign information is available on the campaign website at campaign.thehighground.us. Pledges may be paid up to five years. All contributions are tax deductible. More information about The Highground can be found on the main website at thehighground.us.