Bunker Hill Elementary Gives General Sam a Helping Hand

HOUSTON, May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- At 10 am on Thursday, May 5, for the fifteenth consecutive year, the fifth graders from Spring Branch ISD's Bunker Hill Elementary will meet at one of Houston's most beloved monuments, the Sam Houston Equestrian Statue in Hermann Park, to donate funds for its ongoing maintenance and upkeep.  

This year's donation is generously supplemented by grants from Amegy Bank and Tyart, a Houston art moving company, and totals more than $2,700.  In an example of the magnifying effect of consistency and hard work, the Bunker Hill students' and corporate benefactors' combined multiyear donations will pass the $80,000 mark this year.  It couldn't come at a better time, as the Houston Parks and Recreation Department is facing challenges from today's economy.    

The donations are part of the Houston Arts Foundation's Adopt-A-Monument Program.  Houston has over 400 such works of public art, many in need of maintenance and restoration, and the Houston Arts Foundation and the arts community are working to focus public attention on the need to protect and conserve these treasures.  Over the years the Adopt-a-Monument Program has attracted more than $160,000 through the adoption process.  

"Great cities have great art," said Sally Reynolds, board chair of HAF.  "Unfortunately, there are times the City lacks the funds to be able to maintain these pieces as well as they'd like.  Through this program, individuals and groups who love great public art can adopt their favorite monument for the benefit of the entire community.  While we have many generous citizens involved, Houston also has a wide array of monuments still in need of adoption."

"At a time when our department is facing tough economic choices it is heartening to find Houston's youth ready to lend a helping hand to maintain public art in parks," said Joe Turner, Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department.  "Bunker Hill Elementary and its students' generosity for the past 15 years is an inspiration and example of civic responsibility that we hope others will follow by becoming a part of the Adopt-A-Monument Program."

"The students love the program," said Rebecca Rollins, a fifth grade science teacher at Bunker Hill Elementary and a member of the HAF board.  "We had a special project to help raise the funds.  Getting involved has been a powerful lesson for the students in perseverance and giving back to the community.  Now they are learning about the monumental artwork itself."

"Statue Committee is my favorite place to come at the end of the day," said Blair Abernathy, a Bunker Hill student.  "Our team is proud to give back to our community. We think it's important to help maintain a historical landmark that will be appreciated by future generations."

For an index of Houston's public works of art, visit www.houstontx.gov/municipalart/index.html.  

For Information:
Sally Reynolds
713-622-0880

SOURCE Bunker Hill Elementary