A sculpture created by a French artist to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California will be unveiled at a reception tonight in Sacramento.Jean-Pierre Rives, an acclaimed sculptor and former rugby player, created and named the double-loop sculpture "Jasper's Gift" in honor of his 5-year-old son Jasper Rives, who suffered a serious scald burn as an infant, said Catherine Curran, the hospital's director of community relations.
Jasper was not treated at Shriners, but Rives was touched by the hospital's work in helping children who have suffered burns, she said.
The Stockton Boulevard hospital, which treats hundreds of children each year for acute burns at no cost to families, is the state's busiest pediatric burn center.
The sculpture will later be permanently installed in the community. The person or business that donates the highest amount over $10,000 to the hospital for Jasper's Gift will get to choose the sculpture's final location, she said.
"It's the idea that we are building a caring community," Curran said.
Individuals and businesses contributing $1,000 or more will be permanently honored at the base of the sculpture.
Rives also is a retired rugby union player and is regarded as France's most famous rugby captain.
Rives and his son are planning to attend tonight's reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the hospital.
Tickets are still available by calling Alan Anderson at (916) 453-2008 or click here to e-mail him. The suggested donation is $100.
For more information about Shriners, visit the hospital's Web site.
