Funds Donated to Cross Foundation for First Statue

(CROSS FOUNDATION PRESIDENT CHRISTY HAKMAN IS SHOWN RECEIVING THE $50,000 DONATION FROM COHIHO FOUNDATION LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES ANNE AND FRANK KABBES)

The Cross Foundation Board of Directors has announced that the organization is the recipient of a $50,000 donation from the COHIHO Foundation to commission a life-sized bronze statue of the Nativity. The statue will feature the Holy Family, and is the first of 10 statues planned as part of the future expansion of the Cross at the Crossroads campus. Each statue will depict a significant event in the life of Jesus Christ.

The COHIHO donation is being made in honor of Joe and Suzette Brumleve. The foundation was set up by the Effingham natives in 2000. Philanthropy, service, and stewardship are the three primary principles on which the COHIHO Foundation is based. Following the Brumleves’ tragic death in a 2008 plane crash near their Colorado home, their daughters Corrin, Heidi, and Holly, have carried on the work of the foundation. They saw the donation to the Cross Foundation as a worthy tribute to their mother and father who lived a faith-filled life and regularly gave of their time and talent to their church and other faith-based organizations in the community.

“The Cross Foundation is so grateful for this generous gift from COHIHO,” said Christy Hakman, President of the Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to begin commissioning our first bronze statue, and the Nativity is naturally the perfect starting place as we work to enhance the offerings at The Cross at the Crossroads.”

The Cross Foundation is a non-profit with a mission to promote the Cross at the Crossroads and spread Christ’s message of love, forgiveness, and salvation. The Cross, standing 198 feet tall and having a wing span of 113 ft., is a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice for each of us. Situated on a large campus, the Cross has 10 granite structures at its base depicting the Ten Commandments. There is also a welcome center that includes a chapel and video viewing room. Future site plans include the addition of life-sized bronze statues depicting various scenes in Jesus’ life, a band shell, walking path, and more. The ministry relies on private donations as well as the assistance of hundreds of volunteers. Tax deductible contributions can be mailed to PO Box 1103, Effingham, IL 62401 or by contacting the organization at 217.342.4100. See also www.crossusa.org.