The governor, a U.S. senator and a former NBA coach have joined the list of people trying to raise at least $150,000 to send a group of more than 100 World War II veterans to see the war's memorial in Washington.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and former Utah Jazz coach Frank Layden were a few recognizable names that turned up during a recent fund-raiser that netted about $67,000. But the nonprofit group Operation Hero Flight is still about $75,000 short to make a two-day trip happen.

The governor, who donated a dinner for 10 to the fund-raising effort, said the trip means a lot.

"In recognizing our vets, it is plain and simple — recognition of the price they have paid for our freedom and prosperity," Huntsman said. "There is a great effort to get these wonderful and deserving veterans back to Washington, D.C., and Mary Kaye and I are happy to help."

The trip was planned for last spring, but it was canceled at the last minute when controversy over fund-raising efforts came to light. The group lacked money for the trip, and the main person responsible for making the 2007 trek fly was still paying off the 2006 trip to D.C. State regulators are investigating Our Unsung Heroes director Paul McSweeney.

The organizers of the nonprofit group Our Unsung Heroes dropped that group and formed a new one, Operation Hero Flight, in its place. Several volunteers, including Provo fireman Mike Mecham, are in search of generous donors.

"Right now, we're just calling everyone we know and soliciting them for money," Mecham said in a phone interview.

Hatch, R-Utah, heard about the financial fiasco and decided to lend his name in support of a renewed fund drive.

"So much effort went into getting the World War II memorial built — it'd be a shame if its veterans never got a chance to see it," Hatch said. "I wanted to help Utah's veterans who were so close to realizing their dream of seeing the memorial honoring their service."

Current auction items include a lunch/golf package and a dinner/Jazz-game package, each with Frank Layden. There is also a three-day guided fishing trip in Utah (for 2008) that is being auctioned off.

Mecham said his 8-year-old son Alex has been donating his allowance money to the cause.

"He brings it to me and says, 'This is for Hero Flight,' or 'This is for starving children in Africa,'" Mecham said. "His money is in there."

Mecham said he is hopeful that businesses and corporations — with deeper pockets than his son — will step forward with large contributions. If enough money is raised — $195,000 to be exact — the veterans will receive a free three-day trip to see the memorial.

Anyone interested in donating is asked to visit any Wells Fargo Bank location, call 801-623-6988 or donate online at www.heroflight.com.

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E-mail: sspeckman@desnews.com