Bench and Plaque for Galveston
Well Ladies I have been doing some looking around on the internet and I have found a bench. It is just a normal cement park bench nothing fancy. I have Major Ray from Galveston County looking for a place to put the bench for me. I am also wanting to place a plaque in the ground in front of the bench that would say that the bench was placed in memory of Riley Ann Sawyers "Baby Grace" with donations from "The Circle Of Friends" The bench it self is approx. $400 and then shipping with liftgate service is another $350. Then there is the plaque and the cost to cement it in the ground. The bench is available in different colors, but I was thinking of a white top and seat with red legs. I am including the web page so that you all may go and check it out. We will need to do this soon as I want to have it in time for the anniversary of her death which is July 24. I am going to be in Galveston at that time and would like to do the dedication on that day. Any one wishing to donate can send the donation to her memorial fund at:
Riley Ann Sawyers Memorial Fund
First Merit Bank
7800 Reynolds Road
Mentor, Ohio 44060
Attn: Ellen Forbus
It will take time to make the bench so I would like to be able to order it by at least the middle of June at the latest. I will keep you all posted regarding my visit. I am coming with Uncle Ray this time. Just he and I will be making the trip. Robert has a new job and can not afford to take the time off for a vacation as he will need to take time off for the trial. I hope to meet those of you who are in Texas during my visit. I look forward to visiting the island again and to taking Ray there for his first visit. He is so excited about coming it is all he talks about. Well I better close this now as I have been rambling. Love to all of you from me and the family.
http://www.markstaar.com/product/61/BB-72-GC-PE.html
I brought this here from the other posting so it would have a place of it's own.
Wanted to also let you ladies know that Ken from Portraits on Gold has offered to donate the plaque for Riley's bench. He just needs to know what we want on it and if it would require mounting holes. Is it possible does anyone know that we could mount it on the seat back, can we drill into the concrete and use some kind of epoxy to mount it to the seat back instead of in the ground? I am totally clueless. Portraits on gold has added the heart necklace that they made for me to a memorial page on their website if you ladies would like to check it out. They are a wonderful group of people there and I highly recommend their work, it is beautiful. I will include the link to the page here for all of you to see. http://www.portraitsongold.com:80/memoriam.html E-mail me with any ideas that you have. I will also be e-mailing this to everyone for those who don't get the time to visit here because of our busy lives. Love to all you ladies, and of course Greg and any other gentlemen that I may have forgotten.....Sorry.
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Let's keep in touch
I have told my daughter, Aubrey, that we will be going to the beach! I have told her about Riley's bench dedication but she wants to also go to the beach! So I do so much want all of us to go to lunch after the dedication and to go to the beach! What do you all think?
I think it would be a lot of fun!!!!!!! This will be the first time Aubrey has been to the beach and she is looking forward to it!
Bench Location
Well Ladies and Gentlemen I just received a e-mail from Kevin Reece and the city of Galveston has decided on a location for the bench. I will attach the reply from Alicia Cahill who is the PR person for the city of Galveston:
From: Alicia Cahill [mailto:CahillAli@cityofgalveston.org]
Sent: Sat 6/28/2008 2:50 PM
To: Reece, Kevin
Subject: RE: Memorial bench for riley Ann Sawyers
Hi Kevin,
I wanted to let you know the City would like to place the bench at Menard Park near our playground equipment. Menard Park is currently receiving a facelift and the city is transforming it into our flagship park. Located on Seawall, the park is attractive to our residents and visitors. We are building a new rec center that will open later this fall. We recently opened the municiapl skate park, which is located at the north end of Menard park. Other features include tennis courts and a historic bandshell. The city thinks that families and children will be able enjoy the bench and remember Riley while visitng Menard Park.
Please let me know what we need to do next and the timeframe.
Thanks!
Alicia
I am so excited and can't wait to get there. Sounds like it is going to be the perfect place for the bench where there will be families and children around. Talk to you all later. I love you all.
Words from God
After the night I have had ~ I can not stop crying! this is so great and wonderful! I want to thank God for giving Riley's bench such a wonderful place! And I want to also thank God for having me come here tonight! I needed this!
Thank you Kevin and thank you Alicia! I think I can now go to bed happy!
I love you Riley! After a bad night you did your sweet angel thing you do and made me happy! I love you!!!!!!!!!!!
so happy
I am so happy this is going to happen. I love you Riley Ann. I wish I could be there for the dedication!
Karen Manda
Time
Do you have a time of day yet for the 24th. I want to be there if at all possible. I just need to see if I need to ask for teh entire day off of work, or just half of a day. (it is hard getting off of work, is why I am asking) I want to give them plenty of notice so that I can be there.
Thanks,
Erica
Time for Bench Dedication
I have been thinking about that and I think that I will probably do the dedication around 10am before it gets to hot....yea right, I think it pretty much stays hot there. I still do not know the location where the bench will be, but I am sure that we will have a place by the time the 24th comes around. I am really looking forward to meeting those of you that can make it to the dedication. Maybe we could all get together after and have lunch somewhere so that we could spend some time together. The bench has already been ordered and will be delivered to Texas Equusearch as they were kind enough to let me have it delivered to them so that I could get it ordered soon enough to have it for July. Thanks to all of you who donated towards the bench. I think that it will be beautiful. Love to you all.
Are you still accepting donations?
Sheryl,
I know its kinda late, but are you still accepting donations, I would like to send something to contribute.
God Bless!
Lorraine
It is not to late.....
Lorraine, It is not to late to donate, just send the money to her fund. I plan on doing other things to honor her and make everyone aware that child abuse is becoming an epidemic, one that we must stop. So if the money does not go toward the bench it will go toward another project to raise awareness.
Bench Update
I just wanted to update everyone on the progress of the bench. I have ordered the bench and it is being shipped to Texas Equusearch in Texas. They offered for it to be shipped to them and then when the location is found we will get it there. Also in the mail yesterday I received the plaque from "Art on Gold". Ken and company have done a beautiful job. The plaque looks just like the sample he had sent to me. (only it has the right birthdate...LOL) Ray Sr took some pictures of the plaque and I will e-mail it to all of you when I have the chance. I am looking forward to my trip in July. All the plans have been made, now it just needs to get here. Ray Jr is so excited, but I do believe it will be an emotional trip for the both of us. Talk to all of you later. Love you all and think of you daily.
I am here for you!
Sheryl,
I am here for you! I know this is going to be very hard for you! I do plan to be there on the 24th but let me know if you need anything else. Please remember that I live in Spring so if Ray and yourself visit during your stay please let me know ~ I would love to take the two of you to dinner or something! Anything you need please do not hesitate to ask! You have my email address and my phone number!
I tried emailing you the other day and it bounced back undeliverable! I am sure you get so many that happens often!
take care! I will be praying for you!
LOVE IT
I love it that there's a story in the news about the memorial and the bench. Can't wait until the bench is placed somewhere nice for Riley. I wrote my check today and I'm mailing it first thing in the morning.
WOO-HOO - GOOD NEWS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou080521_tnt_babygracefolo.16c4e78c.html
Riley Sweet Angel
I love you so much...I can't wait to see your bench baby....I Love You so much...You have forever changed my life......
Sheryl, I sent my check 2 weeks ago..I hope they got it....
Love You
Alisha
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!
THIS IS JUST FANTASTIC NEWS!!
Christina
wonderful news
I am so glad this is going to happen! Sheryl, I will get my check in the mail today (I would have sent it sooner, but things have been so crazy busy)!
Love,
Karen Manda
Sheryl
It has been mailed now! I am excited to see this happen!
Love,
Karen
video
The video with this news article really made me cry. I will never forget you, Riley Ann!!
Sheryl..........
I just talked to a friend of mine who is good friends with Ray T. He said he is working on a couple of spots to put the bench and he will call you ASAP with an update. Hope this helps.
Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see GOD!
Matthews 5:8
I have
been praying really hard for this. I certainly hope Mr T is able to locate a spot for her bench. Sheryl, you hang in there, we love you.
Place for the Bench
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen I am getting concerned that we may not have a place for the bench in time for my visit to Galveston. I was told by the bench company that it would be a good idea to order the bench by the beginning of June just to make sure that it will arrive in time and that is just weeks away and I still have not heard from anyone that they have found a place for us to put it and I can't order it if I don't have somewhere to send it and since it weighs 500 Lbs it is not easy to move around. I was not sure if any of you would have anyone you could contact who may be able to help us out. I want for the bench to be in Galveston. If anyone could be of help to get this moving I would appreciate it as we are running out of time. Let me know if you can help. Talk to you all later. I love you all.
Sheryl Ann
I am keeping my fingers crossed and praying for this to happen.
God Bless You and Your Family. Riley Ann will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Much Love to you Always,
Susan Al Bassam
Wow Barbi Schottr&Aaron Family that's owesome!
Shelley walton Bassett;Dear barbi that is so awesomely cool of you you sound like a wonderful person that likes to do acts of kindness,genrerous I like that Amen to you and your Family!
I wish I could be there
but we are going on a cruise from July 12 - 17 and I'm sure I couldn't get more time off (July 24). I will think about you all that day though.
bump
bumping this up
Sheryl Ann and Friends
All of you make me so Proud!! Together we stand and Forever We Remember Riley Ann.
I cannot wait to meet you all and I am completely available for any dates you ladies come up with.
Debbye, I love the idea of Riley's Cookies! How wonderful of you to put the time and effort into this
project. I will of course donate towards Riley's Bench and anything else in regards to our little angel.
To say I am getting excited to finally meet y'all would be the understatement of the year. I just can’t wait!!
Until then I will hold y'all in my thoughts and prayers,
God Bless,
Susan Al Bassam
Sheryl Ann and Friends
All of you make me so Proud!! Together we stand and Forever We Remember Riley Ann.
I cannot wait to meet you all and I am completely available for any dates you ladies come up with.
Debbye, I love the idea of Riley's Cookies! How wonderful of you to put the time and effort into this
project. I will of course donate towards Riley's Bench and anything else in regards to our little angel.
To say I am getting excited to finally meet y'all would be the understatement of the year. I just can’t wait!!
Until then I will hold y'all in my thoughts and prayers,
God Bless,
Susan Al Bassam
Sheryl, I would love to make
Sheryl, I would love to make a donation. Anything for Riley, you and your family. Your sweet angel has touched my life in more ways than one that I would never want Riley to be forgotten. As the saying goes..............When you have less, you actually have more. The bench not only brings light to her precious life, it shows how much we all love and adore her. I saw a bench at a local high school that is a memorial for all of their fallen students and it was absolutely beautiful. This one shined like marble or granate. Would Riley's bench be similar? I saw the picture you sent and the style is exactly the same. I really, really want to meet you and all of my other dear COF's. You all have inspired me so much and I love you all for it. I will email you Sheryl and find out when you are coming and see if I can squeeze it in between classes this summer.
God bless you and yours!
Veronica
Dear Sheryl Ann and Friends of Riley Ann's
Shelley walton Bassett Dear Sheryl Ann; And ALL her friends I am exicited about the Bench ,and the meeting in july at Galvanston TX. My Dad lives about 4 hours away, from there .I spoke with him on the phone the other day .I told him about it and how much I'd like to go! It would also give us a chance to see his granddaughter,how is almost 3years old now!He has olny seen her in pictures.So he seems game for Us to come but I need more information so I can start lining up plans ,plane tickets'and a room in Galvanston for one night so please if I may be invited please like me know the details so I can start planning.????July 24th?? I send a small amount to Riley bench don't worry about putting myname on it because it would probly cost more to have my name on it thAN THE SMALL DONATOIN I CAN AFFORD
ISLAND
Is it easy to get out to Riley's Island once in Galveston? Do you have to rent a boat or ask someone for a ride? Can anyone go anytime of the year?
posting on my site
Sheryl,
Would it be ok to post all this on my site? I am sure the word will pass quickly and we can raise the money fast!
Let me know!!!!
I received
approval this morning at work to sell baked goodies to help raise the money for Rileys bench and plaque. People around here go for that kind of thing, they all love to eat. lol. wish me luck and keep me in your prayers.
Cookies for Riley
Debbye how great. Most people and children love cookies. I know that I do. That is a wonderful idea and thanks for your efforts to help raise the money for the bench. I love all you ladies. And Debbye I will see you in July. Keep a day open for me ok.
Dearest Sheryl..
I have very high hopes for "Rileys Cookies" (I love that) lol. My boss seems to think it will do well, I for one certainly hopes so. I have already put it on my calendar to be off on July 4th weekend, for the COF meeting, and july 24th for Rileys dedication, I can take whatever time I need. I wasnt sure when you were coming in or leaving. I would love to spend a day with you before or after her dedication. Just give me a date and I will be there.
Love Ya Lots
Debbye
Hey
Debbye where you been...I have not heard from you lately...How is princess Ryleigh?..I wish I could be there to buy some of Rileys Cookies, well just eat an extra one for me..LOL
Love Ya
Alisha
I read as often
as I can. I'm still training in this new position. I think they are trying to turn me into a dispatcher, we will see how that goes..lol. I promise to try and catch up with everyone. Ryleigh is still battling the ear infection and snotty nose. She will receive her first speech therapy on tues.
Love you gals and guy
Debbye
Riley's Bench
Christy absolutely you may post the bench information on your site. Thanks for the offer.
bump
everyone make sure you read this BUMP
I WILL
Sheryl-I will send a donation this week to go toward the bench as well. I will make it over there one day to see it and can't wait. This is awesome!
Barbie-I sent a check for some bracelets not long ago and I hope you got it. Thanks!
Love to everyone.
Drilling
Is the bench made from granite or concrete? You can drill concrete. I would suggest to contact a local monument company or perhaps if you have a company that makes garden accesories or statues. Maybe one of them can provide the services for the bench plaque. I am so excited! Thank you for letting us be a part of this Sheryl.
Sheryl
The bench is beautiful..I know you told me the other night on the phone you were going to Galveston at the end of July, I hate that I am not going to be able to see you....We have a family reunion that weekend...But I know we will meet up soon...Anyway I am sending a donation...I Love You and your family sooo much...And I love Riley Ann.....You have forever changed my life angel....
Lots of Hugs and Kisses!!!!!
Alisha
count me in
I will be sending a donation. I love you Riley Ann!
COUNT MY IN!!!
I'm sending my check out today. As far as putting something on the plaque, I saw these words on a bunch of memorial sites. I don't know who wrote, but I just think they are so beautiful.
"If tears could build and stairway and memories a lane, I would walk right up to heaven and bring you home again." I'm just putting in some input. I can't wait to see the bench. I'm so excited. Riley deserves this so much, that little girl deserved the world!! I LOVE AND MISS RILEY. RILEY ANN FOREVER!!!
Christina Kemp
To Sheryl Ann The bench is beauitful !
Dear sheryl Ann; I like the bench and your ideas for it. I like Red and white! White and black is so common but classic.Well I am glad I had time to found out about is this!! I will be sending a some donation this week.It is not much so don't worry about putting my name on the plauqe. I think your a wonderful person you insiper me ! I hope your feeling a little better Sheryl I pray for you and Riley Ann
Count me in
Dearest Sheryl,
This is absolutely wonderful !!! I would love to help with this. I still have some money left from the sale of the bracelets that I need to send to the bank, and will also send a personal donation to help with this. Keep us posted on what Ray finds for a place for the bench. If at all possible, it would be nice to have a "Riley Tree" planted nearby, if we could. If we can do that, I would very much like to make the stepping stones to go around the tree as I am a stained glass artist and can do that easily. I could probably get a nice tree donated from my son's father in law also, if you are interested in incorporating the tree into the whole concept.
Please keep me posted on what you have planned for that date. Are you going to have Texas EquuSearch involved? the local BACA group? Our BACA group from San Antonio may want to ride down to participate also (Schott & I belong now).
Whatever you need from me, let me know. I'll work hard to arrange whatever you need done in Riley's honor
I love you Sheryl, and love Riley, and I love Ray Ray!
Barbi & Schott & Aaron aka zap & Schottdog & Fingers
Riley's Memorial
Thank you to all of you ladies. You have all been such a support to me during this time, and continue to support me. I would love for all of you to be there in July but I know that is not possible for eveyone. Barbie I would love it if any of the BACA groups could attend. I may send out work to them to let them know about it. My brother in law who lives in Big Spring Tx belongs to a motorcycle club and I will let him know that we will be in Texas in July also. Anyone who wants to may attend. I have spoken to Cheryl and Rain from the Texas Equusearch and they of course will be there, Uncle Ray can't wait to see them again. Thanks for all your support.
Do you have paypal Sheryl?
Do you have paypal Sheryl? Maybe I can send a donation to your paypal. If not thats fine, I can make a money order. Its not much but I can send a little something