The Peoria community is invited to two upcoming events at the Jon Buckley Memorial Garden as the tribute to victims of tragedy marks its 10th year.
The garden was named in honor of Yolanda Wallace's son, who was murdered in 2006. The garden was created behind the RiverPlex a decade ago as part of a partnership with the Peoria Park District.
Bricks for the garden can be purchased in tribute of lost loved ones.
A summer vendor fair and fundraiser is from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28 at the memorial garden. It's sponsored by It's A Vibe Selfie Studio, a business at Northwoods Mall owned by Johnny Jorden. He was a childhood friend of Jon Buckley.
"We shared classes all through high school, and I really feel like growing up and having kids of my own — my oldest just turned 15 today," he said. "So, when you look at tragedies like that, it kind of hits home a little more, because there is a lot of stuff that people can do in the community to keep things like that from happening."
Jorden said it's important to try to push positive energy out into the community, but this particular event is "extra special."
A second event at the Jon Buckley Memorial Garden from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 10 is sponsored by the Heart of Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children. The "Families in Crisis" community event features resources for families, and music from Garry Moore and Note by Note, and yoga by Sol to Soul.
"We just want to heighten the awareness that we are there, and we want the community to be a part of it. So that's why we are having these events and focusing on kids. It's all about partnerships," Wallace said.
The event will include storytelling, sensory play, therapy dogs, music, refreshments, planting, and yoga and gymnastics. The Peoria Police Department, early childhood mental health consultants, and books for children dealing with grief are among some of the attendees and resources planned for the event.
"We want to have more collaborations with more resources for our families in the City of Peoria," said Wallace.
Follow the Jon Buckley Memorial Garden page on Facebook for more information.
