For the Hub City Times

NEILLSVILLE – The $4 million Highground Rising Campaign Launch celebration, held at The Condensery in Osseo, announced the campaign has raised $834,374 while soliciting prospective donors late last year.

The campaign is for the construction of a 12,000-square foot Welcome Center, complete ADA accessibility throughout the park, new services and programs, and pay off its $450,000 mortgage.

The launch event saw over 150 in-person attendees and the 400 who watched the live-streamed portion of the program.

A $400,000 donor challenge was announced from several major donors. These donors are encouraging fellow veterans and those who support veterans to consider a tax deductible gift or a pledge that may be paid over five years.

The Highground started as the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project in 1984. It has grown to a 155-acre park whose mission is to “honor, educate and heal” veterans, their families, and all who visit. The park includes over 15 tributes, a museum and gift shop, four miles of hiking trails and Camp Victory, a 295-acre camp located 18 miles north of the main site.

The park is located at W7031 Ridge Road, Neillsville.

A deadline of May 8 has been set to help secure the additional $400,000 in cash and pledges.

For more information or to volunteer to help with the campaign, contact Bonnie Pettis at 715-743-4224 or email admin@thehighground.us.

For more on the campaign, visit campaign.thehighground.us.