Draper Memorial Park Fundraiser Needs $5K By Thursday

MILFORD, MA — A fundraiser to restore one of Milford's most notable parks will hit a key deadline on Thursday.

The Milford War Memorial Revitalization Committee needs to raise $5,000 by Oct. 15 to take advantage of a fundraising match being offered by MassDevelopment, the state's economic development and finance authority.

The $5,000 will put the total fundraising campaign at $42,500, which MassDevelopment will match. Then the group will have the full $85,000 it needs to restore Draper, which serves as a memorial to local veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War.

The committee plans to upgrade the park with new lighting, landscaping and restore the park's centerpiece, a statue of Gen. William Draper by Daniel Chester French — the sculptor who went on to create the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.

"I am so grateful to see the community coming together to support the revitalization of this town treasure that honors our veterans and fallen heroes," Milford War Memorial Revitalization Committee Chairman Peter Scandone said in a news release. "We understand that times are tough for many people. Still, if you are able, please consider making a donation. Even smaller donations of $10 and $25 add up quickly because every dollar is being matched."

The fundraiser has made a big leap this fall. On Sept. 22, the fundraiser was only at about $16,735, but has raised more than $20,000 since then. Donations have come from citizens, local businesses and community groups, like the Milford Lions Club, Citizens for Milford and the Greenleaf Garden Club.