Former Mayor Ron Bigelow donates $121,216.80 to Utah Veterans Memorial

Former Mayor Ron Bigelow presented a check for $121,216.80 to the Utah Veterans Memorial during the council meeting, describing prior fundraising work and proposing allocations for remaining items.

Bigelow said $100,000 of the donation could go toward a pavilion (noting the amount will not cover the whole cost) but clarified the city would not be committed to spend it there; he offered the alternative of directing funds to a Vietnam veterans monument. He recommended $7,000 for etching wording on monuments/benches, $2,000 to add selected veterans’ names to the wall, and about $12,000 to fund student transportation for field trips to the memorial. Bigelow said he will provide a letter with the donation that specifies intended uses and deliver the check and letter to the city recorder.

Council members thanked Bigelow and invited him to pose for a photo with the council. No council action was required for acceptance of the donation at the meeting; Bigelow said the foundation he set up will be closed once funds are transferred.