Fundraiser for Waukesha Christmas parade memorials off to a slow start

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The fundraiser to build two permanent parade memorials in Waukesha is off to a slow start.

The city has raised about 6% of its $1.5 million goal since the fundraiser launched in November 2022.

The Waukesha Parade Memorial Commission, made up of victims' family members, first responders, business owners and community members, selected three different designs to be incorporated into two permanent memorials.

Thrive Architects, a firm based in downtown Waukesha, is the lead designer of the two memorials.

The larger memorial to be built at Grede Park consists of six ribbons coming together in the shape of a heart. It will be surrounded by landscaping, benches and a tile wall. 

David Raschka, an associate principal at Thrive Architects, said his firm was inspired by the strength and unity of Waukesha in the days following the parade tragedy, 

"The idea being the coming together and the strength of the community is reflected in that shape," Raschka said.

The smaller memorial to be built along the parade route on Main Street follows a similar theme, with ribbons and a heart. 

"Obviously, the heart symbol was very important after the event, and it resonates with the community, so we wanted to keep that," Raschka said. 

Both hearts in the designs face the parade route.

"The way this heart is situated, it kind of frames a view," Raschka said. "You look through the heart and see back towards Main Street."

Thrive Architects built a mock-up of the smaller memorial for the annual Waukesha Christmas parade on Sunday. It will sit near the five points on Main Street through the holidays. 

A sculpture of two hands holding a heart by local artist Carmen De La Paz will be incorporated at Grede Park. 

Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly said it's important for the city to have a place for people to go and reflect on the victims and survivors of the attack for decades to come.

"It's beautiful and it's very moving, I think," Reilly said. "It will be something that will serve the community forever."

The Waukesha County Community Foundation is hosting the fundraiser.

President Melissa Baxter said they've received about $95,000 from more than 250 donors as of Monday evening.

Baxter told CBS 58 donations have poured in from 31 different states.

"In addition to the fundraising that's happening, we've actually heard from a number of contractors and suppliers in the area that are looking to do donations of either their time or some materials, as well, which is great," Raschka said. 

While there isn't an exact fundraising deadline, the city has said it hopes to unveil the smaller memorial at the second anniversary in 2023 and the larger memorial at the third anniversary in 2024.

Donations are accepted online and by mail. Click here to donate.