ORANGE COUNTY, NC (August 14, 2017) — The Orange County Board of Commissioners included $15,000 in its 2017-18 budget to serve as a challenge grant to help raise funds for the Orange County Veterans Memorial. The money will be used to provide a match for donations toward the construction of the memorial, which will be located at the Southern Human Services campus (2501 Homestead Road) in Chapel Hill.

“The matching fund is a great way to get the public involved,” said commissioner Mark Marcoplos, who pushed for the inclusion of the funds during budget deliberations. Commissioners Barry Jacobs and Renee Price each serve on the Veterans Memorial Committee. The fund was approved unanimously by the Board of Commissioners in June.

Individuals wishing to make a tax deductible contribution to the memorial would see their donation matched 100% by the fund established by the BOCC.

The Veterans Memorial will pay tribute to the thousands of men and women from Orange County who served or are serving in the U.S. armed forces. It will be funded by private donations with support and land donation from Orange County and additional support from the Town of Chapel Hill.

“We are so grateful to the Orange County Board of Commissioners for establishing this fund to encourage donations to the memorial,” said Bruce Runberg, U.S. Navy (Retired) and Vietnam Veteran who is Co-Chair of the Veterans Memorial Fundraising Committee. “Many veterans who served or are serving have called Orange County home.”

The memorial will include walking trails and exhibits honoring all branches of the military. Residents can donate online at www.orangecountyveteransmemorial.com or by sending a check made out to the Orange County Veterans Memorial to the address below.

Orange County Veterans Memorial
169 Boone Square Street, #223
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Naming opportunities are available for families who wish to honor loved ones. Visit www.orangecountyveteransmemorial.com for more information on giving levels.