Res 065-2017 5/2/2017Resolution No. _65-2017__
Resolution authorizing placement of an Angel of Hope sculpture on
the MPEC grounds
WHEREAS, Bianka and Vern Landavaso and Danny Shoop have requested
permission to construct and place a bronze Angel of Hope sculpture on the groun ds of
the MPEC; and,
WHEREAS, a location proposed in the provided site map is acceptable to the
City; and,
WHEREAS, the donors will assume all costs for construction and placement of
the sculpture; and,
WHEREAS, the City will assume grounds maintenance around the sculpture but
not repairs or replacement of the sculpture.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT:
Authorization is hereby given to Bianka and Vern Landavaso and Danny Shoop
to construct and place a bronze Angel of Hope sculpture on the grounds of the MPEC
at the site indicated on the provided map and authorizing the City Manager to enter into
an agreement with the donors as approved by the City Attorney.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 2nd day of May 2017.
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M A Y O R
ATTEST:
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City Clerk
Site Map
Project Narrative
WICHITA FALLS CHRISTMAS BOX ANGEL
The Angel statue is based on book by Richard Paul Evans “The Christmas Box”
The statue site is a place for grieving parents to find hope, comfort and healing
The statues have to be approved and commissioned by Richard Paul Evans
There are currently 135 statues across the US as well as Canada and Japan
The 136th Angel statue has already been approved for Wichita Falls inspired by our
daughter Lauren
It is not a memorial to Lauren, it is for all who have lost children
The Angel is cast in bronze and measures 4’ tall by 5’ wide with the wingspan
Cost of the Angel is $14,500 with $7,250 required to start the sculpting process
The Angel takes 3 months to create
Free delivery of the Angel s included and there will be a dedication ceremony
We will be required to provide a base for the Angel; estimated cost $5,000 - $6,000
Funds for the Angel are currently being raised through private donations
The area surrounding the Angel should be landscaped to create a peaceful place of
repose
The proposed site behind the MPEC is significant for the serenity and natural beauty
required for the Angel statue as well as the need to have it accessible to the public 24
hours a day
Cities with the statues participate in a healing ceremony on December 6 th at 7 pm MST
The ceremony typically involves a children’s choir and participants are asked to bring a
candle and a white flower to lay at the base of the statue. The names of the lost
children are read.
The site surrounding the Angel should allow access for hundreds of family and friends
who would attend the ceremony
We envision some sort of wall to be built with parents able to purchase bricks engraved
with their children’s names
There are an estimated 300 families in our city’s grief support groups and an unknown
number in the Texoma area who would benefit from this site of healing and hope
Even though the statue originated as a place for grieving parents, it is a site for anyone
who has lost a loved one and seeks hope and healing
We wish to consult closely with the grief supp ort groups and get their inputs on this
project as they are the ones most affected and who would benefit the most
The statue is not meant to represent any particular religion and is intended for anyone
who has experienced the loss of a child or loved one
Sculpture Photos