Willow's Birthday Marked by Continued Work on Park Developed in Her Memory

Friday, December 13 would have been the eighth birthday of Willow Long.

A group of volunteers has been working on developing a kid-friendly park in her honor in her hometown of Watson, to be known as Willow Park.  Progress has been made, but organizers are hopeful of additional donations to make the park a special place.

Donations of any amount are appreciated, but there will be a display listing all of the major donors in the pavilion to be located in Willow Park.  There are four levels of major giving: Platinum Level--gifts of over $5,000...Gold Level--$2,500 to $5,000...Silver Level--$1,000 to $2,500...and Bronze Level--gifts of $500 to $1,000.

Funds should be directed to: Fifth Third Bank, Attn: Willow Park Fund, 200 E. Jefferson Avenue, Effingham, IL 62401.

Those who have already made contributions include Paul Heuerman and CCI Redi Mix, Dennis Probst and Mid-Illinois Concrete, Gary Bartels and MBI Concrete Construction, Monte Bartels, Chuck Bierman and Bierman's Welding, Todd Carmen and Master-Halco, Mike and Pat Wente and Wente Plumbing/Fire Protection, Lisa Koester and Creative Designs, Neil Koester and Ad Hatters, Lee Beckman and Milano and Grunloh Engineers, Newlin Martin and Martin's IGA, Vanessa Merritt of Walk for Willow, T.J. Hodges and Roses from Linda, Village of Watson officials, Watson Civic Center Board of Directors, Rodney Fish and Advanced Powder Technology, Barry Hodges and Hodges Fence Erectors, and other private donors.

Organizers are hopeful this Friday the 13th will be a lucky day through donors contributing $13 (or more) towards the Willow Park project.

For more information, contact DeAnna McWilliams at 217-663-3137.