An ice sculpture sponsored by the Center for Suicide Awareness was vandalized over the weekend during Avenue of Ice Carvings in downtown Appleton.
Center for Suicide Awareness said they’re “literally heartbroken” after their heart ice sculpture for the downtown display was damaged. The heart was meant “to represent connection, compassion, and the reminder that no one has to struggle alone,” the group said in a Facebook post.
“This sculpture symbolized that love can reach someone who is struggling — sometimes in ways we may never fully see,” the Center for Suicide Awareness added in the post.
Appleton police said they got a damage complaint about the sculpture that was vandalized early Feb. 22. On Feb. 23, the police department said a man came to the police department after police asked for help on Facebook in identifying him.
Downtown Appleton puts on the Avenue of Ice display in front of shops on College Avenue every year. This year, there are 26 sculptures created by Krystal Kleer Ice Sculptures. This year’s theme is “What we love about Wisconsin” to highlight people and traditions of the state.
The Center for Suicide Awareness’ display was in front of Gibson Community Music Hall at 211 W. College Ave.
Contact Benita Mathew at bmathew@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Center for Suicide Awareness ice sculpture damaged, person identified
Reporting by Benita Mathew, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Appleton Post-Crescent
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