Georgia Statue to Honor 1956 Hungarian Revolution
Please help preserve the legacy of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution!
In 2021, we will commemorate and celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution that revealed for the first time, the true and terrible face of communism to the world. By creating a NEW statue to honor our 1956 freedom fighters, we will erect a permanent reminder of this historic time in history.
Time is of the essence as our freedom fighters grow older and many are passing away. This is a unique opportunity for families to donate in memory of a freedom fighter or to honor a relative and have their name displayed forever in bronze.
"Russians, Go Home!" Photo by Gyula Nagy
The Hungarian American Coalition and Honorary Hungarian Consulate are working together with GA-based organizations – the Atlanta Hungarian Meetup, Haralson County Historical Society and the Hungarian Community Church of Georgia – and our local '56-ers to make this dream a reality. You will have a front row seat as the statue is created by world-renowned sculptor Stan Mullins, and the process documented on social media. The statue will be made of key blue Georgia granite, from a local quarry. (picture below)
Our female Freedom Fighter statue will stand tall – at approximately 9 feet – wrapped in the Revolutionary Flag (with the hole torn out of the center). We plan to unveil her on October 23, 2021.
Photo courtesy of International Rescue Committee
Your support for this once-in-a-lifetime project will be recognized in a variety of ways (listed below). Join us on this epic adventure to create a new and permanent legacy to 1956.
Donation Levels & Recognition
Every donation is important to this cause, and will be recognized. In fact, we are following the Joseph Pulitzer model (a great Hungarian who had a tremendous impact in the US), when he raised money in 1885 to create the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty. He listed every single donation – even as small as one penny – in his newspaper. We will do the same…although one penny doesn’t go nearly as far in 2021 as it did in 1885.
Become a Patron of the Arts
$10,000 Level – Small Bronze Replica of GA56 Statue
Donors at this level will receive a limited edition, trophy-size, bronze replica of the statue.
$5,000 Level – Meet Stan Mullins, the Sculptor
Donors at the $5,000 level are invited to meet the sculptor at his studio in Athens, GA, and take a personal tour of his showroom, workshop and the GA56 statue in progress.
$2,500 Level – Zoom with Stan Mullins, the Sculptor
Donors at the $2,500 level will receive an invitation to a zoom-based discussion with sculptor Stan Mullins, providing a status update on the statue.
Renowned local sculptor Stan Mullins, explains his philosophy to Edith K. Lauer, 56-er and Chair Emerita of the Hungarian American Coalition, in his studio in Athens, GA. (To learn more about our world-renowned sculptor, check out: stanmullins.com)
Become a Keeper of the Legacy
**SPECIAL NAMING OPPORTUNITY**
$1,000 Level – Name on Bronze Plaque on Statue Foundation
At the $1,000 level, donors' names will be listed on the bronze plaque on the statue (you may also designate "In honor of" or "In memory of" someone)
**NOTE FOR FAMILIES: If you are interested in the naming opportunity for your family or organization, please contact us directly and let us know about the relevant donations to be counted towards the $1,000**
$500 Level – Swag Bag and 1956 Graphic Novel (and all items below)
You will receive a Swag Bag – various items with the statue design, and a copy of the “Freedom Fighter ‘56” Graphic novel.
$250 Level – T-shirt (and all items below)
You will receive a t-shirt of the GA56 statue design and all items below.
$100 Level – Baseball Hat (and all items below)
You will receive a baseball hat of the GA56 statue design and all items below.
$50 Level - Collectible Button (and name in program)
You will receive a collectible button of the GA56 statue design and your name on the program.
$25 Level – Name in Program
Your name will be listed in the program.
**If you are not comfortable donating online through GoFundMe, you may send a check to:
Hungarian American Coalition
PO Box 57135
Washington, DC 20037
**NOTE 1: The Coalition is a 501C3 organization and will provide tax receipts for your donations**
**NOTE 2: GoFundMe has started setting a % of your donation as a tip for their services. When you check out, this will come up as an option. Please set this to whatever level you are comfortable with, including 0%.**
Project Budget and Next Steps
To date, our project has received a grant of $10,000 from Hungary's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and an additional $10,000 in pledges. Our goal is to raise $25,000 through the GoFundMe Campaign and an additional $20,000 from corporate or organizational donors. This would cover the cost of materials, our artist, equipment to lift, transport and position the statue and a minimum for ongoing maintenance fees. If we raise more funding, we will create a commemorative booklet and additional educational materials around the statue.
Be Bold!
Join us as we create a lasting legacy to the Hungarian Freedom Fighters of 1956...and see her stand tall on October 23, 2021.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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