BELMONT 250TH CELEBRATION COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER FOR SPECIAL PATRIOTIC TRIBUTE
From Belmont NY 250 Committee,
BELMONT, NY — The Belmont 250th Celebration Committee is proud to announce a fundraising campaign to support the creation of an additional special sand sculpture by world-renowned sand sculptor Eric Jones as part of Belmont’s July 4th, 2026 celebration.
The sculpture will serve as a tribute to an Allegany County Medal of Honor recipient, CPL Jason L. Dunham and will be featured as part of the community’s America 250 commemoration activities in Belmont’s Park Circle.
Before moving forward with the project, members of the Belmont 250th Celebration Committee respectfully sought and received permission from the parents of Corporal Jason L. Dunham to honor their son’s legacy through this special tribute. The committee is grateful for their support and trust in helping commemorate a local hero whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire Americans across the nation. Deb Dunham, (Jason’s Mom) has graciously agreed to say a few words during the park ceremony following the All County Veterans Parade at 3:30 on July 4th.
The committee is seeking community support to raise $3,000 to fund the sculpture. Businesses, organizations, and individual donors are invited to participate through sponsorships and donations. Donors will be recognized on a commemorative sign displayed near the sculpture during the celebration.
“This tribute represents the values of patriotism, service, sacrifice, and community that define both our nation and our county,” said Shannon Harding, Chair of the Belmont 250th Celebration Committee. “We hope residents, businesses, veterans organizations, and community supporters will join us in making this meaningful project possible.”
Sponsorship opportunities include:
• Red Sponsor – $1,000
• White Sponsor – $500
• Blue Sponsor – $250
• Individual Community Donor – $50
Donations may be made via Venmo at:
www.venmo.com/u/Shanharding716
Checks may be made payable to Eric Jones. Arrangements for pickup can be made by contacting Shannon Harding.
For more information or to make a donation, please contact:
Shannon Harding
Belmont 250th Celebration Committee
716-909-2601
