ASTORIA, Ore. -- A hospital on the Oregon coast is trying to raise money to replace the statue of Sacagawea that was stolen from Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in January.

The statue of Sacagawea when it was initially unveiled.

Providence Seaside Hospital will offer a $5,000 challenge grant to organizations and private individuals to help fund the replacement cost.

Park Superintendent David Szymanski says the fundraising effort is being welcomed after a theft that he called "a demoralizing event for the park and the community."

 Background: Statue stolen and mangled

The park staff plans to replace the statue with a new piece of art. A committee has been formed to solicit designs that will celebrate the tribal nations that hosted the Corps of Discovery during its time in the Northwest.