The Fountain Hills Veteran’s Memorial is partnering with MidFirst Bank and Fountain Events, Inc. to raise funds for upgrades to the Veteran’s Memorial during the Oktoberfest at the Fountain event being held in Fountain Park Sept. 30 through Oct. 1.

The coin truck provided by MidFirst will only be on site for the second day of the event from 5 to 10 p.m.

The Veteran’s Memorial is currently in need of a stage to enhance the ceremonies held in the memorial plaza on patriotic holidays. In addition, the winding down of military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan will require the addition of a new Bronze on the memorial wall to honor the service of those who served their country in these conflicts. The total cost of these upgrades is expected to exceed $20,000.

Fountain Events, Inc. is a recently formed non-profit organization that presents family-oriented festivals in Fountain Hills with profits dedicated to other local charitable and veterans organizations, such as AMVETS, American Legion, VFW and the Extended Hands Food Bank. Fountain Events, Inc. is the sponsor of Oktoberfest at the Fountain and St. Pat’s at the Fountain events in Fountain Park.

MidFirst Bank, one of the largest privately owned banks in the US, acts like a community bank, and is therefore a strong supporter in the community, supporting charitable, educational and civic organizations. MidFirst Bank is providing their coin truck for donations. MidFirst will match donations dollar-for-dollar/penny-for-penny up to $1,000 and at a lower amount for donations received above that.

Donations received, and the matching funds from MidFirst Bank will all go to the Memorial maintenance fund. All contributions, including coins, cash and checks, will gladly be accepted. Veterans will be attending the coin truck during the Saturday fundraiser to answer any questions about this project.

All three veterans’ organizations in Fountain Hills are participating in this fundraising effort and urge everyone to attend and the Oktoberfest at the Fountain festival.