The City of Poway kicked off fundraising for its Tony Gwynn memorial with a benefit concert April 1. The campaign has already earned in excess of $94,000 toward the estimated $150,000 needed to privately fund a statue that honors Gwynn as an athlete, family man and longtime Poway resident.
Held at the Poway Performing Arts Center, the Music and Memories benefit featured artists and athletes connected to Gwynn and the Poway community. As the evening came to a close Poway Mayor Steve Vaus presented a video montage of Gwynn memories that introduced the conceptual rendering selected by a panel that included Gwynn family members and the mayor.
“I’ll never forget the oohs and aaahs from the audience as we unveiled the design of the statue,” Mayor Vaus said. “Their reaction left no doubt the artist captured the essence of Tony – family man, friend, neighbor and baseball legend. It was a magical moment.”
The bronze likeness of Gwynn, designed by Texas artist Seth Vandable, was chosen as a result of a nationwide search. The 10-foot statue captures Gwynn waving to the crowd with one arm, while holding a child in the other. It will be placed near the ball field at Lake Poway, accompanied by a donor wall that will recognize gifts of $250 and above. The statue design will go to the City Council for approval on April 19.
Contributions for the Gwynn memorial are still needed. Click on the link below or go to www.crowdrise.com/tonygwynn.