The Work
What Would Bri Do, Inc. has worked with the City of Sartell to place an Angel of Hope at Lake Francis Park in Sartell, MN.
The Results
The Angel of Hope is a sculpture of a beautiful angel with its wings spread and face gazing heavenward. This angel has been placed where individuals can come together to grieve the loss of their child.
Introduction
The Christmas Box Angel of Hope was first introduced to the world in the international best-selling book and hit television movie “The Christmas Box”, written by Richard Paul Evans. The original Angel of Hope statue, inspired by the book, was dedicated on December 6th, 1994 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since the placement of this first statue, it has become known as a place of hope and healing for anyone who has suffered the loss of a child. Each year, individuals and agencies in support of grieving parents sponsor new statues to be placed throughout the world.
Annual Candlelight Vigil
Each year, a candlelight vigil is held at the Angel of Hope statue on December 6th at 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend this short, simple secular ceremony. Attendees are invited to bring a white flower to leave at the base of the statues in memory of loved ones. The Angel of Hope is one of a growing number of Christmas Box Angels throughout the world that are gathering places for anyone grieving the loss of a child of any age, for any reason.
Pavers
Individuals can purchase pavers to be placed around the base of the Angel of Hope in memory of their loved one from the City of Sartell. Also, available are trees, benches, and swings that can be purchased and placed around the lake and walking paths in memory of someone. These items will all have a plaque that will include who it is in memory of. You can find information on the city’s website at www.sartellmn.com/city-donations. Also, there is a link to the order form below if you want to mail in your payment.
Angel of Hope Location
Access to the walking path and park is at the Sartell Community Center located at: 850 19th Street South, Sartell, MN 56377.