Park District Foundation completes fund-raising goal for Joe Marino statue

From press release

The Rockford Park District Foundation has announced it has completed its fund-raising effort for the Joe Marino statue with cash received and pledges payable by June, 2011, totaling $38,000. Approximately 374 donors contributed to the campaign.

“This is another example of our community’s tremendous generosity and support,” said Rockford Park District Executive Director Tim Dimke.

July 4, 2010, “Mr. Fourth of July,” Joe Marino was surprised with the unveiling of a life-sized bronze statue at Joe Marino Park, formerly named Waterside Park, in the northwest corner of Water and State streets in downtown Rockford.

In 1963, Marino created the Rockford Fourth of July Committee, which is composed of approximately 30 volunteers who donate their time to help raise funds, organize, and promote the Fourth of July Celebration.

In 1989, Marino started a committee for the Holiday Festival of Lights, an event that has grown from 12 to 50-plus lighted displays at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford, generating about a million visitors every year.

Donations are still coming in for the statue.

For more information, contact Stacie Talbert, chief financial officer/foundation director, at (815) 987-1695 or stacietalbert@rockfordparkdistrict.org.