MADISON – The Madison River of Hope project yielded more than $9,000 for community organizations, public sites and school groups.

Volunteers created the ‘river’ by digging a dry ‘riverbed’ that holds 2,000-plus rocks that residents brightly painted with images and phrases that involve a message of hope. Non-profit organizations from city government and local businesses, along with individual citizens, rallied in an unprecedented partnership.

Thousands of people in Madison participated. Madison River of Hope is situated on ‘Bill’s Hill’ near the entrance to Dublin Park.

“Madison Visionary Partners or MVP led the charge by gathering groups representing all sectors of Madison,” MVP Executive Director Elizabeth Brinton said. The fundraising targeted needs for COVID-19 relief in Madison.

“But most importantly, the River of Hope gave Madisonians a place to share help and hope with each other during this uncertain time,” Brinton said.

The recipients were Madison City Schools, $2,500; Madison Public Library, Madison CEO and Fantasy Playhouse, $1,435.64 for each; AUM Foundation, Madison American Legion and Bob Jones High School Band, $1,000 for each.

Members of the River of Hope coalition are MVP; City of Madison; Rotary Club of Madison; Madison Chamber of Commerce; Madison City Schools; Madison Chapter of American Legion, Post 229; Just Serve.org; local businesses; volunteers; and local citizens.

People can visit River of Hope in Dublin Park for years to come. “The project has created the foundation for building a cohesive community response — not only to the pandemic crisis but to many needs in Madison,” Brinton said. “MVP has started the work that can bring all of those elements together to create successful projects that benefit the community of Madison.”

MVP is committed to working on these projects that “connect people who care with causes that matter” in Madison. “We will continue to work on community volunteer projects like when we decorated the downtown gazebo for the holiday season a few weeks ago and larger projects, such as creation of an outdoor amphitheater in Home Place Park and renovating our beloved Kids Kingdom playground,” Brinton said.

For more information, visit mvpmadison.org.