Avenue of Angels have graced College Avenue in Appleton for 65 years. Efforts are underway to raised $50,000 to help refurbish the angels. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – While the holidays are over, in Appleton, some are already looking forward to next year and beyond.
Appleton Downtown Inc. launching a campaign today to ensure the ‘Avenue of Angels’ on College Avenue fly high for generations.
Whether you’ve lived in Appleton your whole life or you’re newer to the area, the Avenue of Angels on College Avenue means so much to so many.
“The angels are really special in my family. My grandma really loved them and she recently passed away and when we were celebrating her life over the weekend it was really nice they were still up so we could think of her when we were celebrating,” said Carley Vandertie of Appleton.
For 65 years these angels have graced the lampposts, soaring over the street.
“They’re beautiful. They’re absolutely beautiful. And the way they have, I’ll call it a centerpiece at each intersection, it’s not Christmas without them,” added Appleton resident Stacy Parish.
But after decades of service, time and the elements have taken a toll. Confetti has been shed, some lights just aren’t as bright – the angels are starting to lose their luster.
According to Abby Nowak with Appleton Downtown Inc., “They’re truly a piece of art that take a lot of handmade and handling to keep them and have them refurbished so that’s a big thing.”
Which is why Appleton Downtown Inc. has launched the Avenue of Angels Legacy Campaign, hoping to raise $25,000 in 25 days to refurbish the angels.
“The community support is critical for us to reach that. And then we have an anonymous donor that has come in, and if we reach that goal, to make the other $25,000,” said Nowak.
Referred to as a legacy campaign the fundraising effort will not only help to pay for the necessary repairs to the angels, but it will also ensure that they will continue to sparkle on College Avenue for years to come.
Nowak added, “We are incurring a little bit more of additional storage fees that we have had needed in the past. Installation fees will go towards that. It will help us with some of those additional costs that we face every year.”
Appleton Downtown Inc. wants people to know that every little bit helps to keep the angels soaring, and the magic of the holiday season alive on College Avenue.
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