Community Corner

Brighton Memorial 'So Close' to Goal

The Brighton Veterans Memorial has until August 31 to complete their fundraising goals.

For more than two years, a dedicated group of Brighton veterans have worked together with the goal of raising $150,000 in private funds to build a memorial "worthy of the sacrifice" of local soldiers.

Now, with just six weeks left to their Aug. 31 deadline, the organizers of the Brighton Veterans Memorial, who are "so close" to meeting their goal, have a plan for their final fundraising push.

Car wash booklets, donated by John Conley for Conley Auto Wash & Oil Change, will be sold during community events and at local businesses at a "steep discount" with 100 percent of the proceeds going towards the Brighton Veterans Memorial.

"He (Conley) donated them and said if we need more we can have more, but let's just get this thing finished," said Bryan Bradford, Chairman of the Veterans Memorial Board, representing the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 125. 

Representatives for the memorial will be set up at a designated tent on Saturdays during the Farmer's Market as well as on Sundays during the Mill Pond concerts where the Brighton community will be able to purchase the booklets to help support the memorial.

"We made a promise to the citizens of Brighton that there was going to be no tax dollars funding this," Bradford said. "It was going to 100 percent funded by private donors and to date we have lived up to that promise." 

That promise will be kept even after the memorial is built, according to Bradford, who said the group is also working to establish a legacy fund that will cover maintenance costs in the future.

Other fundraising efforts include the Buy a Brick program, which has a deadline of Aug. 15.

"So, if somebody wants to buy a brick paver for a well-deserving veteran or active duty service man, they absolutely have to have those in by the 15th of August," Bradford said.

There are also some opportunities for local businesses as well, according to Bradford, since they currently have a few businesses who are willing to donate $500 each and are looking to match funds from others or businesses.

For more information or to donate, interested parties can contact a member of the board. Volunteers looking to help organize a dedication ceremony that will take place on Nov. 10 are also welcome to contact the board for details.

Car wash booklet pricing includes:

  • $15 for Basic
  • $20 for Deluxe
  • $30 for Works
Local businesses also selling car wash booklets include:


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