Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based travel center chain known for its oversized stores and loyal fanbase, has made a “substantial gift” to support the Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial in downtown Amarillo, local organizers announced today.
While the exact amount of the donation has not been disclosed, organizers confirmed it is the second-largest contribution ever made to the memorial project, pushing total funds raised to just over $800,000. The goal is to begin construction by the end of 2025, with about $400,000 still needed to break ground.
“Although Buc-ee’s has only been in Amarillo a few short months, the company is investing in our community full force,” said Todd Beckum, president of the board in charge of fundraising for the memorial. “We are thrilled to have received this significant donation to help honor fallen first responders from across the Texas Panhandle.”
The memorial, planned for the northwest corner of 11th and Polk Street, will pay tribute to law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel from the 26-county Texas Panhandle region who died in the line of duty. More than 100 individuals from 45 agencies are currently listed to be honored, with the memorial serving as both a public monument and educational platform. An accompanying website will tell the personal stories of those who gave their lives in service.
“This donation is a milestone for the project,” Beckum added. “It reflects not only Buc-ee’s generosity but also their serious commitment to becoming a true part of the Amarillo community.”
The gift was facilitated in part by collaboration with the Amarillo City Council, which has supported the project from its early stages. In 2022, the council approved a $1-a-year lease for the memorial site, which sits on a parcel that has served as a small public park since the 1970s.
“We want to sincerely thank the Amarillo City Council for their support of this gift,” said Gary Pitner, a board member for the project. “Buc-ee’s sought the city’s guidance on how to invest in our community, and the council worked together to secure this important contribution.”
The memorial, organized by the nonprofit Friends of AJ Swope, will feature a terraced black granite monument, a water feature, and engraved panels with the names of fallen heroes. The project has garnered support from more than 40 foundations and corporations and over 160 individual donors, according to Beckum.
In addition to the First Responders Memorial, the Friends of AJ Swope are also spearheading development of the AJ Swope Performance Plaza in partnership with the Crouch Foundation and Arts in Sunset.
More details about the memorial, including how to donate, are available at www.firstrespondersmemorial.org. Interested donors can also call (806) 353-2911 for more information or to contribute directly.
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