St. Joseph's Home of Springfield has released the official City Ornament celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Springfield Art Association and Edwards Place. This is the 21st ornament in the collectible series depicting landmarks or events unique to Springfield.
The ornament features the historic Edwards Place mansion, which is now home to the Springfield Art Association, but is so named because it was owned by Benjamin and Helen Dodge Edwards beginning in the 1840s. The design was a collaboration of the Springfield Art Association and local artist Thomas D. Whalen.
The ornament program is a fundraising project of St. Joseph's Home, a not-for-profit nursing home established in Springfield in 1903 by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception. The 2013 ornament has been produced in a limited edition of 1,500 pieces and sells for $25. Every ornament comes in a green velvet-lined box and includes a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.
The ornament program supports the mission of St. Joseph's Home, which is to provide the aging and their families with compassionate and individualized care in a respectful environment. People of all religious beliefs are welcome.
"St. Joseph's Home reflects the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and has relied on the generosity of the community and benefactors since the ministry began in 1903," said Shantel Rotherham, director of Development and Communications.
Since its inception, ornament sales have contributed $850,000 to support the ministries of St. Joseph's Home. Ornaments became available Sept. 30 and are being sold at St. Joseph's Home at 3306 South Sixth Street Road and various locations throughout Springfield including: the Springfield Art Association, Bank of Springfield (all locations), Heartland Credit Union (two locations), Pease's Candy Shops (two locations), Vono Medical Supplies, Wild Birds Unlimited, Illinois State Museum, Pleasant Nursery, Tinsley Dry Goods, and St. John's Hospital Gift Shop.
Collectors are also invited to call (217) 529-5596 for more information or visit the website at www.saintjosephshome.org to order online. A number of the ornaments from previous years are "retired" but some are still available through St. Joseph's Home.