Rachel's Bench: A Tribute in Prospect Park

Hi there. My name is Julie and I met Rachel in 2019 when we entered the Teaching Fellows program in NYC. We've been joined at the hip ever since! As soon as she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I promised I'd get her a commemorative bench in Prospect Park here in Brooklyn. As many of you know, she passed on August 2, and as this was something I've been wanting to do for a long time, I waited until she was gone to set it in motion.

Just learned that the price went up to $5,000 (was $3,000 when I looked in 2020) and I need to put down a $500 deposit. I'm hoping that through her many friends and family I will be able to gather enough money to secure a commemorative bench. This way, anyone who visits the park can sit for a spell and commune with nature, just as Rachel did whenever she needed a break from this urban jungle she called home.

Rachel and I spent a lot of time talking about getting her a bench and she was very excited about the idea, giving me the green-light right away. We talked about whether to get one in the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, but decided on Prospect Park because it's a public park that's more accessible. Plus, she and Honey (her GoldenDoodle) spent a lot of time here these last few years.

All this to say, please give to this fund if you are able. It's such a lovely way to honor and remember her by, and it's the one item on her bucket list that we can fulfill for her posthumously.

Thank you on behalf of Rachel and those who love her. <3

Julie