It is true we, as stewards of The Highground, are always asking for donations. It is sometimes easy for those of us who come here daily to forget the real reason, so we imagine it is easy from a distance to forget why The Highground needs the donations. Fortunately, the spirit of The Highground has its own way of reminding us about what is important. Here is a very short set of true stories about the healing and education that occurs on The Highground with every visit.

Recently, a man drove onto the plaza. He sat for a moment looking toward the point. The next time I saw him, he was slowly walking from tribute to tribute. A few minutes later he came into the building and said, "This is the first time I have been here, why do I feel this way?" Tears spilled from his eyes and fell down his cheeks. He then shared his personal story of pain and sorrow with us. For him healing had begun here.

Within a week of this experience, a man walked into the shop with his son and grandson. He spent some time going through our Registry books. When asked if we could help him, he replied that his family had placed a Legacy Stone for one of their members--an older veteran. Since the placement of this veteran's Legacy Stone, the veteran had begun to talk about his experiences in WWII. It seemed to be a relief to the veteran and an unexpected gift for the family. This man wanted to record the stories and place them in the Registry.

There was a teenager that came with her school group to tour The Highground and found her grandfather's Legacy Stone. She was so excited because she had not known about the Stone. We copied the Registry material, and she took it home to her mother.

If you wonder what do you, the donor, get from your contribution, the answer lies in all the stories that happen here. It is your contributions that keep The Highground open and allow people to come here for healing and education. We get to open the door for others and to reconnect with our inner spirit.

For those of you who have employers dedicated to the well being of our community and your personal interests through matching funds or volunteer programs, please consider using the following information to submit applications for matching funds:

• Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project, Inc.
• EIN 39-1512902
• Chartered 1984

Thank you for your generosity. Welcome to The Highground family.

Wishlist

Volunteers Needed

• Greeters to work 4 hours per month meeting visitors from April to November.

Particular Items

• This is a wish list of items that The Highground needs for maintenance and operation. If you cannot contribute for an item in its entirety please give what you can. All donations assist in achieving the goals of The Highground. 6800 Newsletter subscriptions needed: $25 each.
  
• 6 ft tables: 3 @ $50 each. Thanks for 7!
  
  Small pop-up canopy tent (10 ft x 10 ft): $199.
  
  Bollard Lights for the Korean Tribute: 4 @ $389 each.
  
  Baby changing station for restroom: $180. Thanks for 1.
  
  Public Restroom supplies: 16 cases @ $50 each.
  
  Additional letters for marquee sign: 42 @ $3 each.
  
  Painting lower level of Timberframe: $775.
  
  Trailhead signs: 2 @ $360 each.
  
  Picnic tables with plaques: 2 @ $250 each. Thanks for 4!
  
  Metal benches for Native American Tribute: 3 @ $950 each.
  
  Flat Screen Computer Monitor: $200.
  
  Replacement batteries for electric wheelchair: 2 @ $125.
  
  Safety lights for Bike Tour: 6 @ $85 each.
  
  Magnetic signs for Bike Tour: 6 @ $42 each.
  
  Railroad ties for East Trail: 10 @ $22 each.
  
  900 Flowers for Garden & Plaza: $265 or $1.75 for 6 pack.
  
  Color photo printer: $279.
  
  WWII benches with honor plaque: Thanks for 5!
  
  Flagpoles for Tribal Flags: 50 @ $22.50 each.
  
  Gas for lawn mower: $102 a week.
  
  Cordless drill: $79.80.
  
  Lawn Rakes: 6 @ $10 each.
  
  Gravel for East Trail: 4 loads @ $138 each.
  
  Raffle prizes for Ride to Remember: 50 - 60 please.
  
  Printing newsletter in color: 8 shares @ $100
  
  Diversity Day scholarships: $3/student or $50 for transportation
  
  
  

Donations for Development Forest & Trails

These items and the estimated costs change often. We thank all who keep track of our wish list and help us get the items we need to meet the maintenance and operating demands of the park.