50th Anniversary Fountain Celebration

On Thursday, April 30, 2015, we will unveil our newly renovated fountain at the 50^th Annual Fountain Celebration. This free event is open to the public and will be held from 5:30 to 7:30PM at Shelter's Corporate Headquarters at 1817 W. Broadway.

Fountain Celebration History
In 1966, Shelter was known as MFA Insurance, and the MFA Insurance fountain was brand new. It sprang to life on September 16, 1966, in a formal ceremony on the Home Office front lawn. President A.D. Sappington and Board Chairman F.V Heinkel were the main speakers as Home Office employees, their families and Columbia residents gathered in a huge ring on the aggregate-stone walkway around the fountain. Also speaking to the crowd was a very proud Scottie Garrett, superintendent of Building and Grounds, who was in charge of the fountain construction project. Since then, it has become a tradition to hold a community celebration when the fountain is turned on each spring.

Another Shelter tradition is to choose someone who will be the official "button pusher" to turn the fountain on at each year's celebration. Typically this is a 4-10-year-old child or grandchild of a Shelter employee or agent. This year, two Shelter employees who were button pushers as children will join this year's button pusher as the tradition continues.

The fountain celebration is held each year to kick off spring, but this year is special because it is the 50^th Anniversary of the fountain, which was renovated over the fall and winter months. The fountain's renovations and new features will be the highlight of the event, but there will also be games, live music, a kiddie train, photo booth and more. This free event is open to the public. In addition, Kona Ice will be on hand and you can enjoy a shaved ice, courtesy of Shelter. Proceeds will be donated to West Middle School through our Partners in Education program.

Residents of Columbia and surrounding areas are invited to join in this evening of fun to celebrate this renovated landmark.

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