Contribution builds momentum for Heroes Hall fundraising
Aloha Fund founder Hilleary Everist (in red vest holding the check), donated $100,000 toward the planned Heroes Hall veterans facility in Castle Rock.
October 23 marked a major step forward in fundraising toward the planned Heroes Hall in Castle Rock, thanks to a $100,000 founding donation on behalf of the Aloha Fund, a private, locally owned philanthropic fund that supports nonprofits in Castle Rock and throughout Douglas County.
The inspiration for Aloha Fund Founder, Hilleary Everist, was 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 Hilleary. “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 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, all of 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, an 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 or your business wish to donate or learn more, visit heroeshallfoundation.org.
Information and photo provided by Douglas County
