Approximately 310 people supported Sundown Salute fundraising efforts Saturday night at the Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center in Junction City. As of Sunday afternoon the net revenue from the  fundraiser totaled more than $7,700.

Terry Heldstab, who chairs the planning committee for the annual Fourth of July celebration, stated the crowd got into the Dueling Pianos performance and began bringing requests with donations immediately. ” We had one song that Lt. General ( Retired ) Perry Wiggins and Colonel Chris Black of the Combat Aviation Brigade, they led the audience in the Big Red One song, and raised $650 from one song.” They were joined in singing by other CAB Soldiers plus other veterans and Soldiers.

The owner of Next Home Unlimited, Steven Burch, called the event phenomenal. “This is exactly what this community needs, bringing the camaraderie together with all the different supporters. They used to do this a long time ago to bring everybody together, and this is just great now.”

Previous Sundown Salute sponsor D. E. Lacer said it was a great event, noting Junction City had really rallied. “The amount of people, the entertainment, the food.” Lacer praised the Sundown Salute Committee for their good work.   The event also included a 50/50 drawing.

Future Sundown Salute fundraisers will include a Roast & Toast of Junction City Police Captain Trish Giordano on March 3rd, Rat Races April 28th, and Mud-Bog Races on May 19th.

Sundown Salute, the annual Fourth of July celebration in Junction City, will run June 30th through July 4th.