FUNDRAISING

The above photo shows the increased damage to our monument that we found last spring when we first opened the doors. This is in addition to the increased deterioration in the walls, around the windows and the roof. We dread to see what condition the monument is in after this winter! The total needed for the original project keeps growing, and the dollar amount needed to restore the cracked and deteriorating marble panels that have the engraved names of our Civil War heroes is not known. We know that the architectural plans which we have had for several years now, without adding any more repairs, amount to more than $600,000. Multiply that by an annual increase in the cost of labor and materials by 3 to 5%. Try as we might, the money the Soldiers' Monument Commission has been able to accumulate yearly through donations, admittance fees, etc. does not even keep apace with the increased costs. Plus we received $0.00 for restoration last year in our budget.

In addition, there are no grants available that come close to what we need for repairs. Those that do come close, require us paying in full and receiving a portion back. Since $130,000 of our money was embezzled and has not been returned, that option is not available to us.

This year the Soldiers' Monument will be sending out a fundraising letter to a portion of the town. We will be transferring funds in our account to do so, but we will be mailing only as many as our funds allow. This letter should go out in the spring. If you do not receive a letter and want to contribute please do so by writing a check to:

Town of Winchester
Memo: SoMo Restoration

Please mail it to: Soldiers' Monument Commission
                           P.O. Box 322
                           Winsted, CT 06098

For in-depth information on how to leave bequests, etc.   please e-mail: commission@soldiersmonumentwinsted.org.
 or contact John Schwaikert,  CFP   @  (860)  379-1215