Wally Thurow was truly “Mr. Pumpkin”. After the passing of our friend and community leader almost a year ago on February 3rd, 2012, the Wally Thurow Tribute Committee was formed. The Committee was organized with the goal of memorializing Wally Thurow in Sycamore. The Committee’s intent is to erect a permanent memorial to Wally, so that future generations of Sycamore Pumpkin Festival attendees can know the origins of the beloved festival and share in the fond memories of Wally. The Committee is reaching out to all members of the community for financial support in this project.
With the cooperation of the City of Sycamore, the Committee has begun the planning and design stage fr a memorial statue which will be erected on the corner of Somonauk and Elm Streets. The Committee anticipates that the cost to design, erect, and maintain the tribute will be approximately $75,000. Donated funds may also be used to fund scholarships for graduating Sycamore High School students in Wally’s memory. The Committee has partnered with the DeKalb County Community Foundation in it’s efforts, so all the contributions to the Wally Thurow Tribute Fund will be tax deductible.
Please send contributions to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, Wally Thurow Tribute Fund, 475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, Il. or Denis Jagodzinski, Committee Treasurer, 116 W. State Street, Sycamore, Il. 60178. The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival would not have been created, but for Wally’s efforts. With the support of local individuals and organizations the group can insure that Wally is remembered for the lasting impact which he had upon the Sycamore community.
The Wally Thurow Tribute Committee consists of John Swedberg, Chairman; Denis Jagodzinski, Treasurer; Ken Mundy, Mayor; Ed Kuhn, Tom Moline, Riley Oncken, Kathy Reuter, Skip Schramer, Brian Gregory and Jerry Malmassari.
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