"Friends of Our Lady" Gather for Unveiling of Restored Statue
The special donor reception was held at the restoration site affording a historic opportunity to see the statue and the conservation work up close and with unprecedented access. The event featured remarks by Lourdes Health System President and CEO, Alexander J. Hatala, as well as Scott Kreilick of Kreilick Conservation who served as Lead Conservator for the statue restoration. Guests were also invited to take their picture with the statue and to sign a special donor "thank you" banner.
The 5.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the East Coast on August 23, 2011 shifted sections of the statue, causing a vertical crack down the side and significant chipping. A “Help Save the Our Lady Fund” was established to help with repair costs and future preservation of area landmark. The campaign was kicked off by a $87,000 grant from the Catholic Health East Heritage Fund. Adding to the grant were over 1,000 gifts from donors totaling over $60,000. Donors from not only the tri-state area but also as far away as Georgia, New Mexico and California. Additionally, groups like the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Regional School, The Blessed Edmund Early Childhood Education Center generously supported the Our Lady fundraising efforts.
Our Lady is nearly restored, complete with a new halo, donated by MidAtlantic Sign Services, and is ready to return to her beloved spot atop Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center. Stay tuned for details on her reinstallation, as well as a future re-dedication ceremony.
Top: Alexander J. Hatala, President and CEO, Lourdes Health System, addresses the crowd as Our Lady looks on. Middle: Linda Winfield, Vice Chair, Our Lady of Lourdes Health Foundation and Chair, Fundraising Committee, thanks donors for their overwhelming generosity and commitment to the Save Our Lady Campaign. Bottom: A young donor signs our "thank you" banner.
For more photos from the event, check out our Facebook page.
