Pictured: The Angel of Hope statue located in the Richfield cemetery
By Destiny Basso and Scottie Draper
The Angel of Hope Statue is for every parent who has lost a child of any age. Now, an effort is being spearheaded to bring such a statue to Carbon County.
The statue will provide a place of comfort, healing and also a way of remembering each child so they are never forgotten. On Dec. 6 of each year at 7 p.m., a special gathering around each statue in the U.S. is held in remembrance of the children. A fundraiser has been organized to raise the $14,500 needed to build the statue in Carbon County.
“The Angel is brought here through donations of the people,” said statue fundraiser organizer Jo’Anne Smith. “This is what makes it so special and will be a symbol of healing and hope for everyone.”
Donations of $1,000 and greater will be used for the angel base. With a generous donation of $100, individuals have the opportunity to engrave their lost child’s name on the base of the angel. However, if the name is wanted on the base, please make a comment on the donation stating so, with the name included, or contact Smith.
Businesses can also help out by donating as well. This is a nonprofit organization and has an EIN for tax write off.
“If anywhere needs this Angel of Hope Statue, it’s Carbon County. There have been so many beautiful souls, children and young people lost in our hometown community from SIDS, accidents, cancer, illness, overdoses and suicide,” stated Anna Cordova, one of the first who donated to the fundraiser. “Thank you Jo’Anne for taking on this beautiful cause.”
A site for the statue has not been determined at this time. An exact erection date is also pending.
Smith wishes to thank Tony Basso for supporting this idea to help bring a place of gathering to those who have lost a child within the community.
For more information, please contact Jo’Anne Smith at saltlakemedium@gmail.com. Interested parties can donate at Mountain America Credit Union to the Angel of Hope account or make a donation online.
