Buckeye organizers seek sponsors, volunteers for Wreaths Across America at local veterans cemetery

Brian McCachern, a Buckeye resident, urged the City Council on Nov. 4 to support a Wreaths Across America ceremony scheduled for Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. at Butts Butler Hazleton Cemetery, where organizers say there are more than 810 veterans buried.

"This is a nationwide event. It will start and started historically at Arlington National Cemetery," McCachern said, asking the council and community to spread the word and volunteer. He said the wreath sponsorship cost is $17 and that organizers were about halfway to their goal — "we have 810 wreaths that need to be sponsored. We're in that 400 mark now," he said.

Jennifer Eastman Chavez, a retired Phoenix police sergeant and local organizer for the Buckeye event, told the council the program covers logistics through donated services and that nonprofit partners that fundraise can retain $5 of every $17 wreath sponsorship. "If you happen to be a nonprofit ... you can submit to be a group and fundraise on our behalf," she said, noting local partners including Main Street Coalition and the VFW.

Organizers also highlighted educational materials for teachers: lesson plans for grades K'12 on American history, flag protocol and related topics are available to classrooms. McCachern and Eastman Chavez asked city staff to help publicize the event; the city's community services staff were credited for coordinating with organizers.

Council members expressed support from the dais. Vice Mayor Eustace urged businesses and corporations to contribute; Councilman Houston was named by organizers as a supporter. During the meeting one council member said they had purchased five wreaths through the event QR code.

No formal council action was taken on the request during the meeting.