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A small army of women are working to gather funding needed to create an “Angle of Hope” memorial garden — and their efforts could use a little help.
Members of the Meadorwood Garden Club began a project that has gained a little momentum.
“Every penny helps,” said MGC member Becky Lambert.
The group is hoping to raise $25,000 to get the project started — and that goal will bring with it a matching donation from the City of Brewton.
“It will take $50,000 just to get the project started,” Lambert said. “And, we’re getting close to our half of the funds. But, we need more help to bring this to reality.”
Libby Davis said she spent some time counting pennies recently, and would do it again any time.
“I counted coins for quite some time,” Davis said. “It came from Aunt Elsie’s donation box there. As I counted I knew that every coin would get us closer to the goal.”
Debbie Quarles is also working raising funds and awareness about the project.
“This will be a two-phase project,” Quarles said. “Our first phase will be just to get the statue and get it in place. That will take most of the money raised.”
Quarles explained that the garden will, in the future, be home to memorial and tribute pavers that will surround the statue and the grounds.
“This will be a living garden that will grow as the phases are completed,” Quarles said.
The location for the garden has been chosen at the City Park in downtown Brewton. The park is easily accessible and is available to the public.
“This won’t be just another park or garden,” Lambert said. “It will be a very meaningful place to reflect and remember for those who have lost a child.”
The location chosen was an obvious choice, Lambert said.
“We wanted to have a safe, convenient, place for those who need a space to reflect,” Lambert said. “We couldn’t just pick one specific cemetery, because we want this to be a community project where everyone is included from Brewton, East Brewton, Flomaton — all of Escambia County.”
The garden, which will be one of several around the country, will be a 20 ft. by 20 ft. space with room for expansion.
Similar in design to other gardens, the Brewton location will be a place for prayer, meditation and remembrance, Lambert said.
“There are a lot of people in our area who have lost children,” Lambert said. “This will be a place for people to honor those who have lost. It will be an on-going memorial.”
Phase two of the project will feature engraved pavers to honor children and their families.
Davis said the holidays provide an opportunity to give those tax-deductible gifts before the end of the year.
“This is a season of joy, celebration and gift-giving,” Davis said. “Memories are one of life’s greatest gifts. By choosing a donation gift for this project, your gift will provide a permanent place of serenity and remembrance for all deceased children who’s spirits live in our hearts for ever.”
To make a tax-deductible donation, please make checks payable to the City of Brewton with Angel of Hope Children’s Memorial Garden identified on the check. Mail your donations to Meadorwood Garden Club, 111 Dogwood Lane W, Brewton, AL 36426.
Editor’s note: For reference, Andalusia is host to a similar garden planned by the Meadorwood Garden Club. That garden was dedicated in September 2023 in Robinson Park. Also, for clarification, The Angel of Hope is a bronze angel statue dedicated to the memory of deceased children. It stands 4 feet 3 inches tall before sitting on a pedestal and also has a wingspan of 5 feet 2 inches. Inspired by best-selling author of “The Christmas Box” Richard Paul Evans, the original statue stands in Salt Lake City, Utah. With over 150 angels in the United States, Canada, and Japan, Evans created the Angel of Hope as a memorial for grieving families. Additional photos and photos of gardens around the United States can be found through a simple internet search: Angel of Hope memorial gardens.
Thanks to Zack Maio of The Andalusia Star News for the photo shown with this story of the Conecuh County memorial garden in Andalusia.