WEDC holding park fundraiser

by Cristin Parker cristin@thecherokeean.com

The Wells Development Corporation is holding an end-of-year fundraiser to help equip the city’s park.

The corporation and city officials recently purchased playground equipment and need monetary support and volunteers to help with the installation.

The equipment cost around $16,000 and was purchased with donations originally sought for a city splash pad.

“After researching the splash pad project, we realized it wasn’t feasible,” Wells Mayor Pro Tem Robert Kalka said in an earlier interview. “But we wanted to do something for the community, who was so supportive, so we’ve opted to put in this new playground, especially since our existing park needs so much work.”

To help raise funds for the project, the Wells Development Corporation (WDC) is selling personalized bricks, to be placed at the city’s Veteran’s Memorial Plaza, to anyone who’d like to see a veteran’s name set in stone.

“Honor any active or honorably discharged military veteran, living or deceased, of an U.S. military branch of service which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense, including the National Reserves and the National Guard,” the city of Well’s website states. “Perfect to donate in remembrance of a loved one that has passed.”

All proceeds of brick sales go toward park improvements.

“We started this project more than a year ago,” Wells City Secretary Melonie Pounds said. “We’ve got several bricks placed in the courtyard between the city hall and the insurance agency already, so people can come see what they look like and how they’re laid out.

“And it’s not only veterans that can be honored. Anyone who’d like to honor a loved one with ties to Wells can certainly purchase a brick for them.”

Cost of bricks is $50 for a 4x4 brick and $100 for an 8x8 brick. Williamson said she generally places orders typically after receiving 10 or more orders, because then shipping is free.

Bricks are being provided by Bricks R Us, a company based in Miami, Fla., that has specialized in memorial brick fundraisers for more than 20 years, according to the company’s website.

“We take immense pride in what we do, and we would love nothing else than to share that passion with all of you.,” the company’s website states. “Be a part of our family one brick at a time.”

Call Pounds, (936) 867-4615, or visit the city’s website, cityofwells.us, to order and customize bricks. Anyone who would like to volunteer in setting up the equipment, can contact Wells City Hall, (936) 867-4615.