Greg Pray's Memorial Bench
Donation protected
My name is Dionne Mitchell. I am Dianne Mitchell-Pray’s sister and Greg Pray’s sister-in-law. I live about 13 minutes from Dianne and Greg in Northern California. Living as close as we do I am able to cycle with Dianne and cycled with Greg before his death. We would always ride on the American River Parkway Trail. If you’re familiar, the trail starts at Discovery Park in downtown Sacramento and stretches for 23 miles. The trail does continue to 32 miles, but is no longer part of the American River Parkway.
Along the trail there are multiple places to stop and watch wildlife or a great place to get in a morning spin on the bike. There are picnic tables and benches randomly placed to take a break. Most of them are in honor or memory of loved one.
While I was on the trail recently I got an idea. Wouldn’t it be a great to get a bench in Greg’s honor? My idea is in part because Dianne’s birthday is this month. This will be Dianne’s first birthday without Greg. Greg's birthday is next month. And, Molly Blue's birthday is also next month. I had to think of something meaningful to do for her.
After a few unsuccessful phone calls and voicemails I got in touch with Dianna Poggetto, Executive Director of the American River Parkway Foundation. I spoke with her this morning. She provided me with all the details. A few main points:
1) The bench cannot say “in memory of”. They prefer the bike trail not turn into a cemetery.
2)The cost is unfortunately $5000.
3)The benches are ordered and installed at certain times of the year…fall or April.
The first detail is not an obstacle. I would rather have Greg’s name on the bench with a little quote.
Greg Thomas Pray
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?
This is in reference to a Dr. Seuss book that I gave them for a wedding gift. Obviously, they were very lucky to have met each other.
The second detail is a bit of a bump in the road. I’m a regional airline pilot, not a millionaire. I am planning on reaching out to people like you to contribute.
And, three….we are already in September…I’m going to need until April to raise the funds.
Would you be willing to contribute?
Thank you very much. I am trying to surprise Dianne, so....as Greg would say..."be very very quiet"!
Dionne
Along the trail there are multiple places to stop and watch wildlife or a great place to get in a morning spin on the bike. There are picnic tables and benches randomly placed to take a break. Most of them are in honor or memory of loved one.
While I was on the trail recently I got an idea. Wouldn’t it be a great to get a bench in Greg’s honor? My idea is in part because Dianne’s birthday is this month. This will be Dianne’s first birthday without Greg. Greg's birthday is next month. And, Molly Blue's birthday is also next month. I had to think of something meaningful to do for her.
After a few unsuccessful phone calls and voicemails I got in touch with Dianna Poggetto, Executive Director of the American River Parkway Foundation. I spoke with her this morning. She provided me with all the details. A few main points:
1) The bench cannot say “in memory of”. They prefer the bike trail not turn into a cemetery.
2)The cost is unfortunately $5000.
3)The benches are ordered and installed at certain times of the year…fall or April.
The first detail is not an obstacle. I would rather have Greg’s name on the bench with a little quote.
Greg Thomas Pray
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?
This is in reference to a Dr. Seuss book that I gave them for a wedding gift. Obviously, they were very lucky to have met each other.
The second detail is a bit of a bump in the road. I’m a regional airline pilot, not a millionaire. I am planning on reaching out to people like you to contribute.
And, three….we are already in September…I’m going to need until April to raise the funds.
Would you be willing to contribute?
Thank you very much. I am trying to surprise Dianne, so....as Greg would say..."be very very quiet"!
Dionne
Organizer
Dionne Mitchell
Organizer
Rancho Cordova, CA