Winamac works to raise funds for Swinging Bridge
Sep. 17—WINAMAC — A late Sunday morning brunch provided another opportunity to raise money and share information for the Memorial Swinging Bridge project, a countywide effort launched last year to illuminate the footbridge at the Winamac Town Park and to celebrate its centennial in July 2023.
This most recent event took place Sept. 12 at Celebration Station in Winamac with more than 130 people attending. The meal was provided by One-Eyed Jacks. Bridge project committee member Kathi Thompson served as master of ceremonies.
A special feature of the brunch was the viewing of a newly created video with more than 1,000 names and photos of Pulaski County soldiers who have served in the U.S. military. Upon its completion in 1923, the bridge was dedicated to the memory of county soldiers from every war period since the Civil War.
The centennial committee's plan is to professionally illuminate the bridge "to bring this veterans' memorial to life."
The illumination is estimated to cost around $275,000. The cost includes the installation of 3,900 computer-controlled, waterproof LED lights in a variety of colors, and the electronics that will allow the Town of Winamac to control the lights. The LED light fixtures will have a rated life of 12 years, and the tower and base fixtures will have a rated life of 25 years. The lights are fully encased in waterproof materials and are rated to withstand flooding.
The committee's goal is to raise $295,000 to cover any cost overruns and to pay for a re-dedication ceremony in July 2023. Funds raised in excess of what is needed will be given to the Town of Winamac to place in a fund specific to bridge maintenance.
Donations for the project are coming in from fundraising events, plus businesses, clubs and other organizations, class reunions and individuals. Some grant monies are also being sought.
The VFW Post 1728 of Winamac, a not-for-profit organization, serves as the umbrella sponsor for the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project, and as such, any donation is tax deductible.
The committee held the first of several planned golf outings earlier this month at Moss Creek. The next event is a golf cart poker run on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 2, in Winamac. Events are also planned in the next year at other Pulaski County communities.
The core organizers of the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project are Greg Henry, Sally Schultz, Melanie Berger and Kathi Thompson; the fund development committee includes Cindy Hickle, Carmin Ruff, Jessica Schramm, Rachel Ploss, Karen Fritz and Kyle Hurd. Events are coordinated by Scott & Angel Hanson.
To learn more, the bridge committee may be reached at:
P.O. Box 14, Winamac, IN 46996
574-242-1031
Email: info@memorialswingingbridge.com
Web: www.memorialswingingbridge.com
Facebook: fb.me/memorialswingingbridge
