The Art of Life Cancer Foundation has received a major gift to support the organization’s Art of Life Healing Garden at Woodward Park.

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At a press conference held Wednesday at the garden, Jenelle Higton, the organization’s executive director, thanked River Park Properties, and specifically the Kashian, Arakelian, and Kolligian families for their recent donation of $100,000.

Hilton said the donation will ensure the completion of the Art of Life Healing Garden’s new River Park Properties Amphitheater.

The new amphitheater, which will accommodate gatherings of more than 50 people, will feature a small, triangular-shaped stage area and custom benches lined with personalized painted tiles.

The 3-acre Healing Garden, located at the northeast entrance of Woodward Park, is a collaboration between the Art of Life Cancer Foundation, the City of Fresno, the medical and art communities, local philanthropists and a large group of volunteers.

The project is being developed in three stages. Phase One was completed last September and Phase Two is currently under construction.

When finished, the Healing Garden also will feature a Cancer Ribbon Trail, playscapes, art kiosks, and trees and park benches with plaques.

The public is invited to attend a National Cancer Survivors Day event at the garden on June 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.