#LionsClub #RochambeauMemorial #MiddleburyCT
Lions Club President John Holmes (left) presents a ceremonial $1,000 check to Dr. Robert L. Rafford, president of the Middlebury Historical Society, at the future site of the Rochambeau Memorial in Meadowview Park. (Terry McAuliffe photo)
The Middlebury Lions Club became the first community organization to pledge support for the Rochambeau Memorial Project, voting unanimously at their March 12 meeting to contribute $1,000 to the effort. The pledge was made immediately following a presentation by Dr. Ray Sullivan, a longtime Lions Club member and a member of the Rochambeau Project Committee. Dr. Sullivan shared details of the memorial and its significance to Middlebury’s Revolutionary War history.
Lion Don Marquis called for an immediate vote, saying, “This is something the Lions Club should support. We don’t need to wait to decide on this.” The motion carried unanimously.
Dr. Robert L. Rafford, president of the Middlebury Historical Society and chair of the society’s committee overseeing the memorial, accepted the ceremonial check from Lions Club president John Holmes at the monument’s future location in Meadowview Park. The Lions’ $1,000 pledge places them at the Senior Officer donor level.
“This gift speaks volumes about the Lions Club’s leadership in community service,” said Dr. Rafford. “They’ve stepped forward before our public campaign has even begun.”
The impact of the Lions’ gift is magnified by a $100,000 matching pledge from local benefactor Larry Janesky. Janesky has already contributed $25,000 toward the match, effectively doubling all contributions made this spring, including the Lions’ pledge.
The donation levels for the Rochambeau Monument Project were named by historical author and expert Dr. Ray Sullivan to reflect the military and noble ranks of Rochambeau’s era. They are, listed from highest to lowest:
- Rochambeau Level: $20,000 and above
- Baron Level: $15,000–$19,999
- Viscount Level: $10,000–$14,999
- Duc Level: $5,000–$9,999
- Senior Officer: $1,000–$4,999
- Junior Officer: $100–$999
- Foot Soldier: $25–$99
About the Rochambeau Memorial Project
The Rochambeau Memorial will commemorate the 1781 encampment of General Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau’s French troops in Middlebury as they marched to join General George Washington in the decisive campaign of the American Revolution. The memorial, designed by Connecticut sculptor Tony Falcone, will feature a bronze statue and landscaped setting in Meadowview Park. The project is overseen by the Middlebury Historical Society in cooperation with local and state officials.
You must be logged in to post a comment.