Recent contributions have arrived from the Vukelic family of Saratoga and Lancaster, New York, in the form of $125,000. A similar amount was sent to the corporation anonymously. An initial $125,000 was committed by the Uihlein Foundation in Lake Placid. All three have founding partner status. The corporation has also received numerous miscellaneous donations to bring the grant total above $500,000.

“The Miracle on Ice is more than a hockey story — it’s a symbol of hope, unity, and the power of believing in the impossible,” said Jeff Vukelic. “It touched our hearts deeply, reminding us all of the strength found in coming together as a country. The Vukelic family is honored to support the Monument to a Miracle, ensuring this legacy lives on for generations to come. We hope others will join us in celebrating the spirit of the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team and the values they embodied.”

All monies are earmarked toward the project that strives to create a lasting legacy to the 1980 United States Hockey Team and its improbable Olympic gold medal.

A bronze statue commemorating all 20 hockey players is currently being created by sculptor Rob Eccleston. It will be unveiled in February 2030 during Lake Placid’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Eccleston’s life-size creation specifically addresses the Miracle on Ice and climactic gold medal game that occurred two days later. It is taken from the iconic image where all 20 players are gathered on the top rung of the Olympic medal stand.

The tribute, budgeted at $5.2 million including a long-term maintenance program, will reside near the intersection of Main Street and Cummings Road.

“Jeff (Vukelic) and his family are long-time residents and business people in Saratoga Springs and western New York,” said Jeff Potter, president of the Friends of the 1980 Miracle on Ice Hockey Team Corp. “As Jeff said, it’s important to us to ensure that all future generations never lose sight of what occurred in Lake Placid during that special week in February 1980. Their donation will help get us there.”

All funds are administered by the 1980 Friends of the Miracle On Ice Hockey Team, a 501 (c) (3) not for profit corporation.

Online donations are being accepted at www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/3819484. The corporation’s website is www.1980MiracleMonument.org.

For more information and to inquire about any of the giving levels as well as sponsorship opportunities, please call Katie Million (518-524-0985) or Jeff Potter (518-524-0757).

You may also email: 1980miraclemonument@gmail.com.

Fans of the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team can follow this initiative on Facebook @1980MonumentToAMiracle.