Fontana, Calif. –  The City of Fontana has received a donation of $350,000 from the Stratham Group, a land development firm, through the efforts of Mayor Acquanetta Warren. The contribution allows the city to move forward with the construction of the Miller Park Amphitheater Veterans Memorial. The donation comes as part of an ongoing community fundraising effort that began in November 2017 to build a permanent memorial to honor the thousands of Fontana residents with military service. 

“We are thankful to the Stratham Group for their generous contribution that will provide a gathering place for the community to remember our veterans, past and present and serve as an inspiration for future generations,” announced Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren. “We are proud to do business with companies that not only invest in Fontana, but also are committed to giving back.”

The memorial will include eight granite walls with the conflicts veterans have served in. Each granite wall will include a representative picture, name of the war, dates, number of personnel involved, number killed in action and number wounded. Individual bricks will include the veteran’s name, rank, branch and years of service or a personal message.

“We are extremely grateful to the city, especially Mayor Acquanetta Warren who fought for us and with us to secure donations to make this veterans memorial wall a reality,” expressed Howard Eckert VFW Jr. Vice Commander. “I want to also give special thanks to Stratham, the VFW, VFW Auxiliary and the American Legion groups in Fontana for working together to bring a beautiful landmark to the community that will ensure our veterans are always celebrated and remembered.”

The Stratham Group, which prides itself on integrity, loyalty and family values, has been a land development partner with the City of Fontana for nearly three decades. Their President and founder, Ali Razi, was behind the company’s generous contribution.

“With Ali Razi at its helm, Stratham Homes has developed in the City of Fontana for over 25 years and is committed to provide quality housing developments for future Fontana generations. Following our rich history of philanthropic endeavors we are excited to contribute to the building of the veterans wall as a monument to those who served and gave their lives for our great country,” stated a Stratham spokesperson. 

Construction of the Miller Park Amphitheater Veterans Memorial wall is expected to begin in March 2019 with an estimated completion date by Memorial Day Weekend 2019.

“Our fundraising efforts will continue and I urge everyone to donate by purchasing a brick to honor a veteran,” said Mayor Warren. “We need the entire community to join in to help us make this memorial a shining example for the region.” 

To donate or purchase a brick to honor a veteran, please download the Veteran Memorial Donation Form here. Please submit the form with payment to:

Fontana City Hall
ATTN: Veterans Memorial Fund
8353 Sierra Ave.
Fontana, CA 92335

Checks can be made payable to Fontana City Hall, ATTN: Veterans Memorial Fund. The tax ID is 95-6004770. 

For additional information, view the brochure here or visit the Miller Park Amphitheater Veterans Memorial webpage. For questions, please contact Martha Guzman-Hurtado at mguzmanhurtado@fontana.org.