Gold Star Families Memorial Fund Drive underway

ELKINS — The Rotary Club of Elkins is continuing its efforts to complete the funding for the Elkins Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, working in conjunction with the Woody Williams Foundation, a state-wide committee comprised of Rotarians from Rotary District 7545, which covers the majority of the State of West Virginia, and the West Virginia Department of the American Legion.

The majority of the funds needed to complete the project have been secured, leaving approximately $35,000 to be raised.

Located at the site of the All-Veterans Memorial Park at the intersection of Randolph and Railroad Avenues, the Gold Star Family Memorial will join the All-Veterans Memorial and the soon-to-be erected Rosie the Riveter statue in welcoming visitors to the city.

While the majority of donors are individuals and companies in West Virginia, the significance of this project has attracted veteran and Rotarian donors from surrounding states as far away as New York to bring this Monument to fruition. Currently, more than 60 donors have made gifts including 19 Rotary Clubs.

Among the additional Rotary clubs in the state joining this effort is the Rotary Club of Milton, Woody Williams’ home club.

“Woody was like the guy next door, quiet, never angry, friendly and a hard worker on any project,” said Milton Rotarian and long-time friend of Williams, Jim Peterson.

“For a long time, he did not want to talk about WW II. He claimed that the Medal of Honnor was not his but to represent those who did not return. Woody did not know the names of the Marines who died protecting him that February day in1945 until 2020, during the ceremony naming the USS Herschel ‘Woody’ Williams in San Diego, CA.“

According to retired Navy Vice Admiral J. Dan McCarthey, former Rotary District 7545 Governor and chair of the state-wide committee, “Significant individual donors have given largely for one of three reasons: (1) respect for Woody Williams and his efforts on behalf of veterans and Gold Star Families; (2) respect for Woody’s life of selfless service; and (3) a desire to support Gold Star Families and recognize their sacrifice in support of our freedoms.“

McCarthey went on to say, “As we work to close the final gap on our funding requirements, my sincere hope is that a significant number of members of the larger Elkins community will join in this effort to honor both Woody and the approximately 672 Gold Star Families from this area.“

While initial fundraising efforts were state-wide, the Elkins Rotary Club is now focusing on the local area to reach the finish line. The Elkins Rotary Club has committed a minimum of $15,000 to the project; they are joined by Davis Trust Financial Corporation and the Elkins Mon Power office who have made significant contributions to the project.

“This memorial will be an important addition to our local All-Veterans Memorial, and an asset to our community. It’s always exciting to see different organizations come together to complete a project of this magnitude. It’s really going to be beautiful, and it’s tailored to include important themes from Elkins. It will truly be one of a kind, and something our town can be proud of,” said Elkins Rotarian and state-wide committee member Kristie Vandevander.

Anyone wishing to make a gift to help make this monument a reality may do so by visiting The Woody Williams Foundation Elkins Monument page online at https://www.woodywilliams.org/monuments/elkins-wv.html or by mailing a check to The Woody Williams Foundation, 12123 Shelbyville Rd., Suite 100, Louisville, KY 40243 with the notation that your gift is for the Elkins GSFMM.

For more information on making a gift to this project, contact Elkins Rotary Club President Tammie Rizzio at her email address below.

Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in their communities, and in themselves.

Visit www.Rotary.org to learn more about Rotary International, visit the club’s Facebook page — Rotary Club of Elkins — or contact club president Tammie Rizzio at tammierizzio@gmail.com for more information about the Rotary Club of Elkins.