Gemini Giant Will Be Moved To Safe Location: GoFundMe Vows

WILMINGTON, IL — Efforts to sell the shuttered Launching Pad restaurant and the Gemini Giant were derailed in early January when property owner Holly Barker was given two ordinance violation tickets from the Wilmington Police Department as a result of Barker's destruction of her own property, on Jan 2.

Now, seven weeks later, someone in Wilmington is stepping up to the plate, trying to raise funds and community awareness through a GoFundMe called "Save The Gemini Giant! Wilmington RT 66 Landmark!"

Ryan Jandura just announced his goal is to raise $100,000.

So far, he's off to a good start, already collecting 25 donations in one day at the time of the article, garnering $1,130. Jandura explained he has lived in Wilmington the past 14 years.

"I started following the Gemini Giant's story when we moved here, as I can remember as a child coming through Wilmington on Rt 53 with my parents and Grandparents to fish and visit Ben Franklin, and see the Giant standing proudly to welcome all to town," Jandura explained to people who find his GoFundMe."

Jandura noted that Barker is planning to auction off the Gemini Giant and its rights come March 20 and that the auction bidding starts at $100,000.

"I have raised money for numerous individuals and organizations in the past. I actually helped the current owner of the Launching Pad raise money by making RT 66 jewelry for them to sell at their gift shop before they reopened the restaurant. So, I do have a vested interest in what happens to this monument," Jandura announced.

What are his intentions for the Gemini Giant?

"It is my goal to raise enough money to purchase the statue and move it to a safe location along rt. 66 in its hometown of Wilmington, IL," he posted on GoFundMe.

If you want to donate to the cause or let your friends know about it, here is the GoFundMe link for the "Save The Gemini Giant! Wilmington RT 66 Landmark!"

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Destruction Of Launching Pad Underway, Police Cite Owner: 12 Photos

Launching Pad: Joliet's Museum Would Buy It, But Only At This Price

Launching Pad, Wilmington's Famous Route 66 Restaurant, Now For Sale