Grand Opening of the Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, September 19
- Time: 10:30 a.m.
- Location: Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
Join the Alliance for the Arts and community resident Gabrielle Bolen for the grand opening of the Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial. This event will coincide with the Alliance’s Morning Market and Family Fun Day, offering a lively atmosphere with family-friendly activities and an artisan market.
About the Memorial:
Inspired by the Rainbow Bridge poem, this memorial serves as a serene space for pet lovers to honor and remember their furry friends. Community members are invited to place collars or tags in memory of their beloved pets, contributing to a living testament of love and companionship.
Bolen’s Vision:
Gabrielle Bolen, a lifelong dog lover, dedicated over a year to planning and fundraising for this heartfelt project. She expressed, “What started as a simple idea grew into something much larger than I ever imagined… I hope this space becomes a place where people can come to remember, to grieve, to celebrate and to feel connected to others who understand that kind of love.”
Design and Accessibility:
The memorial features a symbolic structure designed for visitors to walk around, with landscaping and a peaceful seating area fostering an inviting environment for reflection.
Community Involvement:
The memorial was made possible by the support of local businesses and volunteers, who contributed resources and funding. Donors will be recognized with commemorative plaques near the memorial.
Further Engagement:
The Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial is part of the Alliance’s ArtsPark initiative, which aims to create immersive arts and community experiences. Community members can support this initiative via donations.
For more information on the event and the ArtsPark initiative, visit ArtInLee.org or find them on social media as RainbowBridgeSWFL.
About Alliance for the Arts:
A nonprofit center established in 1975, the Alliance for the Arts promotes community enrichment through the arts. The center is open to the public Tuesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For inquiries, call 239-939-2787.
