Local residents and business people packed into the Wright City Lions Club on Saturday night to show their enthusiasm and support for the Tribute to Veterans Memorial fundraising effort.The organization, which is raising money to build a monument in tribute to veterans on the land just west of Denny’s in Warrenton, raised approximately $11,500 through its trivia night event.“I was very surprised and elated that we’re starting to get the support from the community and business, as well as the local governments,” said Building Committee Chairman Wendell Webb. “It’s been a long, hard chore to get everybody on board. I thought the response was awesome.”Event Coordinator Kathy Daly says 36 1/2 out of the 40 available tables were sold, bringing in 290 trivia players at $20 per person.“Our goal as a committee was to make $10,000 with a sold-out house,” said Daly. “We surpassed that, which is pretty awesome.”The trivia night included eight rounds, as well as a bonus round. Funds also were raised through a silent auction, 50/50 drawing and the sales of mulligans.All items for the silent auction were donated, as were those for the Pot of Gold, which included a gun from Don’s Guns in Troy, a custom fishing rod from TJ’s Custom Rods and Tackle in Foristell and two sets of Cardinals tickets from Negwer Materials.Daly says the exposure for the Tribute to Veterans Memorial has really increased, and the committee realized the need for a larger venue after holding last year’s trivia night at the much smaller Knights of Columbus in Warrenton.“The way the community came out in force was overwhelming,” said Daly.“There was so much positive feedback and camaraderie in the room, and we all felt good by the end of the night. It was heartwarming for the community to come together like they did for the project.”As for the construction phase of the project, Webb says there have been minor setbacks after having to move the tribute from its original location by the county administration building. He is hopeful to have ground broken and start the bid process within the next two months.Webb encourages those still wanting to support the project to buy pavers, which can include their personal name, business or honor a veteran, by visiting the website at tributetoveteransmemorial.org and clicking on the “Buy a Paver” link.

Teams work together to come up with answers during the Tribute to Veterans Memorial Trivia Night held at the Wright City Lions Club on Saturday. The event raised money for the memorial, which will be built west of Denny's on Veterans Memorial Parkway. Record photo/ Derrick Forsythe.