PACIFIC, Mo.– Friends and family of United States Army specialist Jeffrey White were thrilled by Pacific’s recent announcement. The memorial skatepark they’ve fundraised about $130,000 for will become a reality.

What You Need To Know

  • The Jeffrey White Memorial Skatepark project received a $240,000+ grant that's helped organizers fund the dream

  • US Army Specialist Jeffrey White was killed-in-action during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012, he was a talented skateboarder in his youth
  • A small group of friends sparked a community mission leading to three years of fundraising and about $130,000 for the project

“Jeff was a really smart kid who was a great skateboarder,” said Jared Cattoor, an admin of the Jeff White Memorial Skatepark Project Facebook group. “A super unique individual. He ended up going into the military and sadly, was killed in combat on his first mission in Afghanistan.” 

Cattoor, Johnny Felts, Alison Quennoz-Felts, and Joseph Oberkrom along with over a thousand members of the project’s Facebook group fundraised for three years.

“We were able to raise money by relentlessly creating community events. Eventually, many local businesses started to create fundraisers for the skatepark. That was a massive help,” said Cattoor.

The small group of friends ended up sparking a huge community mission.

“The credit belongs to our community, this community,” said Johnny Felts, a fellow admin and often spokesperson for the group. “We honor our friend, Jeff, and we honor his family. We honor his youth, as we honor the young lives of our own children who aspire to do great things with their lives. Thank you all so much for your support. It was only possible because we banded together for a common goal.”

Pacific officials kicked in money and received nearly $250,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Grant to top off the needed funding. 

Mayor Heather Filley couldn’t contain her excitement, posting on social media, “Normally I would announce something like this at the next board meeting, however this news is too good not to share with the public immediately. I am very excited to announce the city of Pacific has received the LWCF Grant we applied for to build the Jeffrey White Memorial Skate Park. – This skatepark is going to be a welcomed addition to our community bringing many folks together. I look forward to the day it is completed.”

The project’s completion timeline has not been set yet as the announcement of the grant is fresh.