Donations support the mission to build a new Welcome Center at the Park
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, Independent Hardee’s Franchisee Association, John & Rebecca Scaletta, Northside Elevator, Inc., Mall Furniture, Wayne, Bonnie & Lorraine Short, Julie Diesing, Scott & Angie Kissinger, Bankers’ Bank, Forward Bank and the Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation, Ltd./Ashley Furniture have pledged (between $10,000 and $24,999) to the Platoon Giving Society for The Highground Rising Capital Campaign, the ongoing private $4M capital campaign to build a Welcome Center at The Highground and support additional Park improvements.
Dr. John Scaletta shared his thoughts about the organization and the importance of this initiative. “I have always supported The Highground as a Memorial Park which recognizes the service, bravery and sacrifices of our Veteran men and women. The Park provides Veterans with a place of solace and peace where burdens dissipate and memories soften.”
The $4M capital campaign, which launched earlier this year, has raised over $1.25M in cash and pledges. The organization hopes to break ground on its 12,000 square foot Welcome Center in 2022.
Key features of the planned expansion will include:
- A 12,000 square-foot Welcome Center with space for Veteran-focused events 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, allowing for safer access to the tributes and to the Welcome Center
- Increased financial stability and long-term sustainability with the pay-off of the $450,000 mortgage
Distinctly, 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 a few miles west of Neillsville along Highway 10, features an incredible view from the Plaza. Camp Victory, located approximately 18 miles north of the main site, sits on 295 thriving, wooded acres.
The organization has received limited government funding in its 35+ year history – paying 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.
Supporters are encouraged to help The Highground Complete the Mission. To pledge or donate, visit the campaign website at campaign.thehighground.us or contact Chris Pettis, Executive Director, at director@thehighground.us.