South Main Plaza
Sponsor Stories
The fountain at South Main Plaza has become a destination in downtown Mount Vernon thanks to the financial support of sponsors who have a heart filled with love for their furry friends and our great community.
Here are some of their inspiring stories:
How did the 2019-20 Mount Vernon Middle School Sixth Grade Class sponsor a dog at South Main Plaza?
The 2019-20 Mount Vernon Middle School Sixth Grade Class sponsored a German Shepherd named Prince986A at the South Main Plaza fountain by raising $2,619 through a whirlwind fundraising effort. English Teacher Trudy Debolt and her class were approached by fountain facilitator Phil Samuell to sponsor a dog. Although the full sponsorship was $15,000, Samuell agreed to cover the remainder if the class raised $2,000. The students surpassed their goal in three weeks, raising $2,619. This sponsorship was inspired by a reading project involving the book “Cracker! The best dog in Vietnam” and visits from Vietnam War veteran Ed Reeves and his scout dog, Prince.
What was Fred Hall's role in the South Main Plaza fountain project?
Fred Hall, from Modern Builders in Mount Vernon, served as the estimator project manager for the South Main Plaza fountain. His primary task was to precisely position each of the 18 animal pedestals and ensure the correct water spray locations. Hall and his team were responsible for bringing the architect's plans to life, including setting up the underground control panel, pumps, and piping system that transports water from Buchwald Center to the fountain. He also oversaw the design for winter shutdown and spring reactivation. Hall expressed great satisfaction in being part of this unique and wonderful project for the city.
What did Debbie Massa sponsor at the South Main Plaza fountain?
Debbie Massa sponsored a beagle at the South Main Plaza fountain, named after Earl, a local Facebook celebrity dog adopted by her friend Kathy Gamble. Additionally, Massa helped sponsor a bench in memory of Dr. Clyde Purdy, a respected Knox County veterinarian. As a dog lover, Massa was enthusiastic about supporting the fountain project, which she believes is a unique and important attraction for Mount Vernon, offering a peaceful place for relaxation and enhancing the downtown area.
Which dogs did Mark Ramser sponsor at the South Main Plaza fountain?
Mark Ramser and his wife, Denise, sponsored two Golden Retrievers at the South Main Plaza fountain. One Golden Retriever puppy is named Ginger, after their own dog, and the other is in memory of Sandy, a therapy dog loved by Phil and Mary Samuell. Initially hesitant, Ramser became enthusiastic about the project after seeing the inspiration fountain in Toronto, Canada. He now frequently visits the South Main Plaza, appreciating its unique appeal and positive impact on downtown Mount Vernon.