The Eunice Rotary Club is celebrating its 100th year with a project focused on the Eunice Pharr Duson statue at 2nd Street and Park Avenue.
The plan is to create a curved wall with a bench set feating lettering “Eunice.”
The wall would curve behind the landmark statue and would be something like one on the University of Louisiana Lafayette campus in front of the administration building.
The project marks the club’s 100th year, which coincides with the city’s 130th anniversary. Other key years for the city is it is the 130th year since the founding of the First United Methodist Church, 100 anniversary of the Liberty Theater and 120th year since the founding of The Eunice News.
The club also plans a celebration on Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to include a parade at 1 p.m. and gathering at the statue for an unveiling.
Tentative ideas for the celebration include activities for children, car show, food trucks, music and tents for community organizations such as churches, schools and clubs.
The U.S. Marine Reserve Band from New Orleans has been invited to perform.
The event may conclude with a community dance led by the Eunice High and St. Edmund High cheerleaders. Also concluding the event would be a group photo at the town center.
Rotarians are seeking donations to help pay for the estimated cost of $25,000 to building the wall and bench.
Donor names are to be placed oa plaque that will be placed on the seated wall. Donation amounts for placement are: $1,000 and over, large font; $500 to $999, medium font; and $100 to $499, small font.
Donation may be made individually or on behalf of an organization.
Donations should be made payable to “Eunice Rotary Club Community Outreach” and mailed to 351 W. Maple Ave., Eunice, LA, 70535. Donations should include whether is it is by an individual or organization, the name to appear on the plaque.
