The City of Lakeland commissioners listened to the outcries of residents and voted to move the controversial Confederate monument that sits in Munn Park.
The city plans to move the monument to nearby Veteran’s Park and has set up a fund to raise $215,000.
So far, progress has been slow. The fund hasn’t yet reached $10,000.
“Right now we’ve only raised $8,955, so we have a long way to go,” City of Lakeland spokesman Kevin Cook told WFLA.
A Lakeland artist and children’s author is hoping he can help. Fred Koehler has launched a campaign to help move the monument.
Koehler uses his illustrations and his books to teach children about acceptance.
“I try to communicate to them that they’re valuable, they matter, whether they’re rich, whether they’re poor, no matter what color they are, no matter what they believe in,” Koehler said.
Now Koehler hopes to spread that message in the city he loves.
“I would love to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Part of that, I believe, is moving the monument.”
But Koehler said he feels people who feel least welcome by the monument are also the people who don’t have the money to move it. That’s why he started an online auction.
“I’m not asking for money, I’m asking for time,” he said.
Koehler is calling for people to donate their time, talents, anything to auction off online.
“If you’re a baker, I’ll auction off a cake. If you cut grass, I’ll auction off landscaping. I’m just looking for folks who are talented and are willing to donate their time. We‘ve had VIP concert tickets donated. I’ve had someone’s cabin in the north for a week donated. I’ve had needle point classes and math tutoring, all kinds of things,” Koehler said.
Koehler is still working to collect auction items and plans to hold an online auction sometime in July. He said buyers will write their checks directly to the City of Lakeland’s monument fund.
To donate an auction item, click here.
If you would like to donate the City of Lakeland’s monument fund, click here.
