The HELP Center’s ‘Garden of Life’ Unveils Madonna and Child Sculpture

Something wonderful is happening in Grand Rapids.

The HELP Center,  659 Bridge, NW, is growing again with it's 'Garden of Life,' and the dedication will be this Sunday, November 4th at 3 p.m.

Actually, the expansion began as an anniversary gift for a husbands spouse who’s been a long time volunteer at HELP.   The husband purchased a vacant lot next to the Center in the fall of 2011. The lot was originally purchased with the intention of providing an attractive green space as well as needed off-street parking for individuals and families visiting the non-profit HELP Center, founded in 1973. Over the past year and through the support of hundreds of donors and volunteers, plans evolved where the green space will now include a beautiful prayer garden and gathering area, called the Garden of Life.

During the dedication on November 4, a bronze sculpture of ‘Madonna and Child’

by celebrated local artist and ArtPrize participant Mic Carlson also will be unveiled which will serve as a fitting centerpiece for the garden. The sculpture was inspired by the acclaimed “The Madonna of the Streets,” a painting by Robert Ferruzzi.

To offset some of the costs of the project, over 140 commemorative paving bricks were purchased by supporters and engraved with their choice of message or tribute. Rosary beads run through the center of the path that surrounds the sculpture, and the engraved bricks will create a walking path wide enough to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs.

For further information, simply log on to any of these websites, : www.helppregnancy.org  www.miccarlson.com  http://gardenoflife-gr.com