Friday, September 30, 2005

Douglas L Hoeft Memorial Sculpture Celebration

The Douglas L. Hoeft Scholarship Foundation invite the public to join them in celebrating the installation of the new Douglas L. Hoeft Sculpture at the Douglas L. Hoeft Memorial site along the Elgin Riverfront, directly behind Hemmens Cultural Center. The gathering will take place on Saturday, October 1, 2005, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The statue, paid for by private donations, was designed by artist Chris Bennett. The sculpture captures State Representative Hoeft in a pose quite typical of how he was often seen while visiting with constituents and friends. Visitors will be invited to sit on the bench with the statue for a commemorative picture. A light picnic lunch will be served, and the event will be held rain or shine.

State Representative Hoeft served in the State legislature from 1992-2002, and had just been elected to his sixth term when he died unexpectedly. During his tenure in office, Mr. Hoeft was instrumental in helping Elgin receive funding for a variety of projects and programs including grants for the Police Department's Domestic Violence program and new Digital Patroller system, improvements to Rt. 25, the Pioneer Memorial Statue, and substantial money for Elgin’s riverfront revitalization project.

A longtime resident of Elgin, Mr. Hoeft was very committed to the community. He began his career teaching social studies at Elgin High and continued being an advocate for education when he was in Springfield. He worked hard for PADS and many other local organizations. Donations to the Douglas L. Hoeft Scholarship Foundation can be sent to 216 King Arthur Ct., Elgin, Illinois 60120.

For more information please call 847-931-6175.