The Chicago Chapter of the American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) is inviting donations in support of a new monument to honor the service of LGBTQ military members and veterans. The stone monument is to stand at the northwest corner of Halsted and Addison Streets and is to be dedicated in a ceremony on Memorial Day 2017.
On Saturday, March 18, from 3 to 5 p.m. Sidetrack will open its doors for a fundraiser in support of the project. The event will include two drinks each, food, 50/50 and Silent Auction. The suggested donation is $20.
The Chicago Chapter of AVER built and dedicated the first LGBT Veterans Memorial Monument in a national cemetery in 2015. It now stands at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.
Donations will go directly to the creation of this monument, which is to cost around $20,000. Half of the amount has been raised so far and final payment is due at the end of April 2017. Contributions to this 501c( 3 ) organization are tax-deductible.
AVER is a national non-profit, chapter-based association, primarily LGBT, of active, reserve, and veteran service members and allies, dedicated to full and equal rights and equitable treatment for all present and former members of the United States Armed Forces.
Donations can be sent to AVER-Chicago, P.O. Box 29317, Chicago, IL 60629 or www.gofundme.com/lgbtq-veterans-halsted-st-monument . Questions can be sent to Tim Zylstra at timothy.zylstra@yahoo.com .