Last week, North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur G. Pappas, accompanied by his wife Linda, was joined by members of the Common Council, city officials, Children's Memorial committee members, as well as State Sen. Rob Ortt and a message from State Assemblyman Robin Schimminger in their participation in a dedication ceremony for the Children's Memorial Garden, which took place at Brauer Park, adjacent to City Hall at 216 Payne Ave.
"I would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped make this wonderful Memorial Garden possible," said Pappas. "My wife and I started with a vision; today marks the next step in the completion of a heartfelt gesture to the children lost to us too soon. Many thanks to Sen. Ortt and the members of the Rotary Club of the Tonawandas for their contributions, as well as all those instrumental in the memorial's design."
The Children's Memorial Garden - in planning for over a year - began as an initial proposal by Arthur and Linda. The project benefitted greatly with a grant allocation through Ortt's office in the amount of $50,000. Schimminger contributed $42,000, as well as additional funds donated by the Rotary Club of the Tonawandas in the amount of $7,500.
"I'd like to thank Art and Linda, as well as community supporters for their leadership on this issue," said Ortt. "So many tragedies have ripped across our communities and impacted our families over the years. We hope the Children's Memorial Garden will bring solace to those who experience loss and we hope the garden ensures that the heartfelt memories of those we have lost, will forever endure."
The Children's Memorial Garden will be a place of somber reflection displaying the names of the children of the City who have passed. Completion of the Memorial is expected within the next year.
