Organizers behind a life-sized statue of the late Eric Tognazzini are close to announcing when they will officially hand over the public art to the city.
It has been almost three years since the effort started to memorialize Tognazzini, a disabled resident known for his positive spirit and recycling business on three wheels, while the Hollister council has approved placing the bronze-covered statue near the east side of the Briggs Building by the grassy lot along Fourth Street.
Eric’s older brother Mark Tognazzini has helped to lead the effort and mentioned how Santa Cruz-based sculpture Sean Monaghan has done the work. Organizers raised more than $50,000 through the Community Foundation for San Benito County from more than 300 donors.
“Those numbers are so huge,” Togazzini said.
The statue will include a plaque, which is finished, mentioning the involved committee and benefactors. Organizers plan to announce the date of a ceremony soon.
“Obviously, it’s just going to please Eric to no end,” his brother said.
