FORT WALTON BEACH — Supporters of the veterans clock tower slated for Beal Memorial Cemetery say an increased awareness of the project is the key to its success.
Veterans Tribute Tower Memorial Inc., the nonprofit behind the 30-foot tower, is trying to raise $250,000 to $300,000 to cover costs and ongoing maintenance.
“We’re at about 20 to 25 percent of our goal,” said Bill Zuppa, who serves on the group’s board of directors and as one of its financial secretaries. “We’d love to have this up by November, but the fundraising has kind of slowed down slightly. I guess the economy has a lot to do with that.”
Zuppa said the group has applied to BP for a grant and also plans to apply to other organizations. The group also has sent letters to local businesses and casinos across the Gulf Coast asking for donations.
“We’re praying for a big donor or contributor who will really sponsor this,” he said.
Board member Gene Carroll said the group is working to remind the community that it still needs help.
“We’re still on track and going strong,” he said.
Carroll said the group is planning a motorcycle poker run and hopes to get a spot in the parade honoring the Doolittle Raiders in April.
“We’re working really hard,” he said. “If this thing goes up, the whole community will be proud of it.”
Zuppa said he hears “nothing but good news” about the clock tower when he discusses it with community members.
“This will be a place where we can all go and pay our respects,” he said. “We’re a military community and I’m hoping the community will jump in here and we’ll get more contributions.”
The clock tower will be located just inside the entrance to the cemetery and surrounded by brick pavers and a 3-foot-tall circular brick wall.
City officials have said they likely will have to move the existing flagpole to make room for the tower.
The memorial will be built by The Verdin Co. of Ohio. It will feature four 3-foot clock dials with backlit canisters and a custom-cast 250-pound, 24-inch bronze bell. The tower also can be programmed to play chimes and patriotic music.
The company will cast the bell on site.
WANT TO HELP?
To donate to the Veterans Tribute Tower Memorial fund, go to www.veteranstower.net or call Bill Zuppa at 585-3166.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.
