News Release
Saturday
October 06, 2001
Web Posted: 12:15 pm

The Alaska Children's Trust will benefit from the proceeds of a new Alaska heirloom marriage certificate featuring colorful works by three well-known artists. Lt. Governor Fran Ulmer unveiled the special certificates Wednesday and invited newly weds to follow the example of her daughter in purchasing them.

"The fight against child abuse and neglect is everybody's battle," Ulmer said. "The new Heirloom Marriage Certificates are a unique and beautiful way to help support the children of Alaska." The certificates feature artwork by Byron Birdsall, Dale DeArmond and Rie Munoz. Anyone who is married in Alaska can purchase them for $50, with the proceeds going to the Alaska Children's Trust. A special birth certificate created for sale three years ago has raised over $60,000 for the trust.

"With more than 5,000 marriages a year in Alaska, the certificates represent a real opportunity to help build the Alaska Children's Trust and at the same time commemorate a special day in many people's lives," Ulmer said. Ulmer's daughter, Amy Council, purchased one of the first certificates to be issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics. She married last May.

The certificates are available in three styles: "McKinley Moonlight," by Birdsall; "Raven in Love," by DeArmond; and "Tenakee Wedding," by Munoz. Each artist donated his or her work, as did graphic artist Sue Kraft. "I'm happy to have worked with the children's trust on another fun project," said Munoz, a Juneau artist whose work is featured on the Heirloom Birth Certificates. "I painted Tenakee Wedding as an invitation to the marriage of my son to his wife 11 years ago. I'm pleased that we can use this painting again to celebrate other marriages in Alaska."

Several organizations and hospitals in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau have agreed to promote sales of the birth and marriage certificates. Since these are legal documents, they are available only through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. But individuals can purchase gift certificates as presents for newborns or newly weds.

To order or view each design, visit the Alaska Children's Trust website.