Local Veteran's continue the push for Toby's Dream - By Michelle Libby

At the beginning of the year, the Windham Veteran’s Association launched the Toby’s Dream campaign to raise funds to pave the parking lot and access road to the Windham Veteran’s Center, which is located behind the Windham Mall. 
 

Toby Pennels was a Veteran who served in many combat locations, was a school board member and a member of many local business organizations. He put a lot of time into the Windham Veteran’s Center and had great hopes for its success, before he was involved in a motorcycle accident that later claimed his life. 

To date the campaign has raised $20,000 toward its goal of $50,000. More events and activities are in the plans, said coordinator Don Swander. The goal is to have the money raised by Memorial Day so the paving can begin soon thereafter. 

“It’s encouraging, but we still are on the way [to the goal],” said Swander. 

The Veterans are accepting donations up through Memorial Day. A plaque is being created to recognize those who donate $1,000 or more. These “Grand Donors” who answer the appeal to help with Toby’s Dream, in addition to having their name on the Grand Donor plaque, are also entitled to a 20 percent discount on hall rentals for the next 20 years. 

Donations can be made to WVA PO Box 1776, Windham, Maine, 04062, made out to WVA PAVING and in the notation line write “Toby’s Dream”.