Unusual Fundraiser for Botanical Garden
The Staten Island Botanical Garden (SIBG) is conducting a unique fundraiser for the Garden of Healing.
SIBG is offering a custom-made bronze statue titled “Raising the Standard 343” that depicts the famous instance of three firefighters raising the American flag over Ground Zero. These statues represent both a positive remembrance and movement forward.
The Artist, Mr. Joseph Reginella, has already cast six statues. During the World Trade Center Educational Tribute dedication ceremony (held on September 14, 2003), these statues were presented to donors who contributed $10,000 or more to the Garden of Healing project.
An initial run of 50 pieces has been created for this fundraiser. The artist will be making a total of 343 statues representing the number of firefighters lost on 9/11.
Each of these statues is made of bonded-bronze and weighs approximately 8 pounds. The statues measure 22 inches x 9 inches x 13 inches. The individual statues will be sold for $500 each plus $15 shipping and handling.
The statues are currently available. You may purchase by phone (call the Staten Island Botanical Garden office at 718- 273-8200 to order).
About the Artist:
Joseph Reginella, a native of Staten Island, is a self-taught artist who has transformed his love for sculpture into a busy professional career.
Seeing an image of firefighters on the cover of a newspaper gave him the inspiration to create “Raising the Standard 343”, a sculpture depicting 3 firefighters raising the flag.
Searching for a way to create something positive out of the tragedy of 9/11, he donated copies of the sculpture to local firehouse, as well as to an auction to benefit the Firefighter’s Burn Unit.
