The Richard Bong Veterans Historical Center is within grasp of its capital campaign goal with less than four days remaining, according to Judy Weber, chairperson.
"We are just $2,780 from our $12,500 challenge pledge issued two weeks ago by RJS Affiliated Companies and Fraser Shipyard Inc., Weber, the chief executive officer of Inter City Oil announced as she and others prepared for the final weekend push and appeal to the community of Superior to "seal this match deal."
This most recent challenge not only built on the achievements and momentum of the "$100,000 in 100 Days" fundraiser launched in November by businessmen, Bob, Scott and Terry Lundberg of Poplar, it added another layer of support for the shiny hangar-shaped museum.
Last spring, the board changed the name, focus, and mission of the Bong Center to honor not only those who served during World War II, but to salute and pay tribute to each and every person who served since, including today on our front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Bob Fuhrman, museum director.
To date, more than 100 individuals, businesses and organizations have followed the lead of not only the Bong board, Bong family members, Lundbergs, Weber and co-chair John Bremer, but those who have been at the very core, forefront and heart of the museum since its inception. They include Superior businessman Rod Campbell and the family members of the late Cal Miller who was a community pillar, veteran and a powerful force behind the center.
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"Our volunteers have enlisted the support of a lot of patriotic people and I couldn't be prouder of the efforts of them all as we cap a quarter-of- a-million dollar effort for our veterans and this historic archive, which is a proud beacon on our Great Lake shores," Weber said.
Credit cards are accepted and the tax-deductible donations can be made online at www.bvhcenter.org , where every contributor's name scrolls across the top banner of the website and "every dollar, counts twice."
Pledges can also be phoned into the museum at (715) 392-7151 or mailed to the Richard Bong Veterans Historical Center , 305 Harborview Parkway, Superior, WI 54880.
