HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The November fundraising event for a proposed Veterans’ Memorial, held in the lobby of the Kansas Cosmosphere, was a great success according to event organizers. They raised nearly $40,000, which they say will be used toward the beginning infrastructure progress next year.

“So many corporations and organizations came together to orchestrate this wonderful evening,” Matt Stiles, City Administrator in South Hutchinson, said. “Without enthusiasm of the community, we would not have accomplished all that we have towards development of the Reno County Veterans’ Memorial.”

A special announcement came at the evening’s event when Mimi Meredith revealed to the audience that a Follies production will take place next fall. It will be on Nov. 5, 6 & 7, 2015, with all proceeds going to the memorial project effort.

The Reno County Veterans’ Memorial is a community-based project to build an enduring monument to the contributions of those who have served in the military. The site is just west of the K-96 and U.S. 50 junction.

A driving force behind the project is the desire to hold ceremonies, celebrations and remembrances of all those who proudly served.

Contributions and encouragement from many local businesses led to the creation of a design and site plan for the memorial.