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Money is being raised to add a statue, titled "Facing the Storm," to Macomb's Chandler Park.
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Fundraiser for Female Activism Statue is May 2 at Multicultural Center

March 28, 2014

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MACOMB, IL – The Macomb Woman's Club Social Service Memorial Committee will host a fundraiser Friday, May 2, to help pay for a Chandler Park statue in honor of Macomb's female social activists of the past.

"Women Breaking Barriers: A Celebration of Local Female Social Activism," which runs from 4-6 p.m at the WIU Multicultural Center, will be emceed by WIU Department of Women's Studies Chair Aimee Shouse and feature introductory remarks by WIU President Jack Thomas. Macomb Mayor Michael Inman will then speak about "A Present Day Community Perspective," and WIU Distinguished Professor Emeritus John Hallwas will deliver "Macomb's Outstanding Tradition of Female Social Activism."

The event is open free to the public.

The idea for the "Facing the Storm" sculpture was conceived by the committee to honor social activists Josie Westfall, Rose Jolly, Dr. Elizabeth Miner, Dr. Ruth Tunnicliff, Rebecca Everly, Lida Crabb and Sadie "Mother" Moon.

Fundraising for the statue has been ongoing for about three years with the help of committee chairs Tina Belz and Marilyn Pastorelli and committee members Elaine France, Mary Ann Griffith, Garnette Hallwas, Sandy Kessler, Sally Sallee, Sheila Shearer, Vicky Torreson and Jean Waller.

The bronze statue will be set on a base in Chandler Park and surrounded by a patio. It is being designed by artist Jaci Willis, of Peoria. Inscribed bricks are currently for sale to fill the patio and to honor women who have impacted the donors in meaningful ways.

In addition to the fundraiser, Shouse and WIU Senior Library Specialist Kathy Nichols had been collaborating for more than a year to create events to call attention to the efforts and accomplishments of local women and to assist with fundraising.

Earlier in March, Nichols organized an event for women over age 60 to recognize their contributions to Macomb's quality of life. Shouse also organized a panel discussion, which focused on female mentoring.

Hors d'oeuvres and coffee will be served and a cash bar will be available.

The event is sponsored by the WIU Department of Archives and Special Collections, Malpass Library; the WIU Department of Women's Studies and the Macomb Woman's Club Social Service Memorial Committee.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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