The employees of United Community Bank in Perham and Frazee are participating in a community service project for the World War II Honor Flight. This is an ongoing national campaign to raise money to send World War II Veterans to see the World War II memorial in Washington DC.
The cost to send one veteran on the Honor Flight is $750.00. This includes two nights lodging, airfare and a reception with state officials. Their goal is to rally the community together to raise enough funds to send 15 veterans to Washington, in other words at least $11,250.00.
The planned community wide fundraising campaign will run May 16 through Labor Day. It will begin with a kick off party Friday, May 25 in the United Community Bank parking lot. Hot dogs, chips and root beer floats will be served for a free will donation from 11 - 2. There will also be cookouts held around July 4 and Labor Day.
A raffle is scheduled in conjunction with the Perham VFW and the In Their Own Words Veterans Museum. Raffle tickets will be sold May 16 through July 3. They will be $5.00 per ticket and will include one free pass to the ITOW Veterans Museum in Perham. Out of the $5 price, $4 will go to the Honor Flight and $1 will go back to the museum. Raffle prizes are still coming in - but will include a flag and flagpole ($2500 value) as well as cash, gift certificates and other items. Tickets will be available from United Community Bank staff members.
An "In Memory Of" and "In Honor Of" Wall will be featured inside the bank lobby. Anyone wishing to purchase a paper flag to hang on the wall in honor or in memory of someone can do so for the suggested minimum donation of $1.00. There will also be patriotic items for sale such as pens, mugs, hats and pins in the lobby at the bank.
ADVERTISEMENT
An account has been set up at United Community Bank for anyone who wishes to donate money - just let the bank know that it is for the Honor Flight Fundraiser.
The first honor flight went to Washington DC May 3 - 5, 2007. They are hoping to raise enough money this summer to send another flight by fall. Any World War II Veteran from Minnesota, North Dakota or South Dakota is eligible to go, but it is on a first come, first serve basis.
There are numerous local veterans on the list for this flight. For more information on the Honor Flight visit www.wdayhonorflight.com . For information on the fundraising activities call United Community Bank at 218-346-5700 or 218-334-5501.
