Evan Morse’s Gift-of-Life Marathon monument was unveiled recently in downtown Rutland, VT.  The piece is part of Rutland’s Sculpture Trail and the 14th piece to be installed since the trail’s inception in 2016. The theme of the carving is an acknowledgement of Rutland’s 2013 national record for blood donations, a record that still stands to this day. The 6.5′ tall x 3′ wide sculpture features three local Rutland residents whose dedication and inspiration to the community are carved into the marble for all eternity: Mary Ojala, a longtime Rutland volunteer who helped with the blood drive until she turned 100; Bobby Poquette, an outstanding volunteer and a regular blood donor; and Stefanie Schaffer, a Rutland native, blood recipient and GOLM ambassador, after she was involved in a serious accident in 2018. “Mary is shown organizing, seated at the table, signing people up to donate,” Morse explains. “Bobby is next being prepped to donate blood. After that there are two people seen hugging in the background, which represents giving and receiving; it’s really about community and relying on each other. Next, we see Stefanie, a blood recipient and is sharing her story to inspire others to donate.” Morse added that the column allows the story to be continuous, symbolizing the constant need for blood donors and volunteers as the cycle continues.