Veterans help build the fabric of our nation, community and families. Honoring them locally continues long after active duty. This is the vision for Douglas County Heroes Hall, funded primarily through private donations.
This week marked a major step forward in fundraising thanks to a $100,000 founding donation on behalf of the Aloha Fund, a private, locally owned philanthropic fund that supports non-profits in Castle Rock and throughout Douglas County.
The inspiration for Aloha Fund Founder, Hilleary Everist, is her father’s service.
“My donation is in honor of my father, Captain Hubert Everist, who flew A-26 Bombers for the 409th Bomb Group over Rhineland Germany during WWII,” said Ms. Everist. “Dad would be pleased to know that the garden area at Heroes Hall will be named the Aloha Lanai and having the Heroes Hall located in Castle Rock will honor all military Veterans in Douglas County.”
Heroes Hall, to be built at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, will be a gathering place for our local Veterans to meet and enjoy the camaraderie they once experienced on active duty. It consolidates the support functions of the founding organizations, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation and Douglas County Veterans Service Office, which can help Veterans receive additional assistance and support. Furthermore, it allows Veterans to pursue community engagement and advocate for Veteran causes.
“As we approach Veterans Day and give thanks for this generous donation, I hope everyone is inspired to help us build what will be a sacred space for our service members,” said Commissioner George Teal, Army Veteran. “When you really think about the incredible freedoms of our country, our Veterans deserve whatever gratitude we can provide.”
The Heroes Hall building will include event space and a conference center in a 14,000-square-foot building with a 7,000-square-foot basement.
The Heroes Hall is estimated to cost $15 million to build. If you wish to donate or help spread the word, please visit the Heroes Hall webpage to learn more.