Ely Greenstone Public Art kicked off the fundraising efforts by donating $500 toward the project in a dedicated account at the Ely Area Credit Union. As a 501-C3 federally recognized charity, any donations received toward the project will be tax deductible.
According to Judy Fredrickson, treasurer of Ely Greenstone, "This dedicated fund indicates our commitment to see this project through. We're excited about sculptor Mike Sinesio's concept and look forward to its development.
"The Pioneer Mine site has attracted interest through the years and Greenstone enjoyed using the Miners Dry building this summer for our Art Show."
Donation forms which allow individuals to memorialize a family member are now available from Greenstone members, the Ely Echo and other places around town. A form is also being printed in the Ely Echo. Download the form here. (PDF)
While the form suggests donations from $25 to $5,000, Greenstone chairman Claire Taylor said, "Any amount is welcome and if a classroom wants to take it on as a project, nickles and dimes will be appreciated as well."
When the design for the memorial is completed, engineers will be required to create the plan for the foundation of the structure. A bronze sculpture of a miner will be an integral part of the piece when completed.
Greenstone has received permission from the City of Ely to place the memorial at the Pioneer Mine Complex. In 2010 a task force of area arts groups received permission to use the complex as the Ely Arts and Heritage Center.
Thus far over 200 names of men who died in the Ely area mines have been found.