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An Illinois couple's misfortunes led IPPCA's "Ponditat for Humanity" to send volunteers from donated construction material to build a beautiful pond a new waterfall structure (estimated value: $50,000), and to present a check for $11,500 to assist their disabled contractor.
Danville couple Tony and Linda Jones dealt with heart attack, stroke and back surgery, this year, finding some small comfort in the small water garden built in their back yard six years ago. After the pond sprung a leak, the couple's pet fish became threatened.
"We were very moved to hear of the plight of the Danville couple," says Dave Jones, Executive Director of International Professional Pond Contractors Association, based in Woodstock, Ga. To repair the improperly installed pond, the couple hired local contractor Gary Sackett of Springwater Water Features, an IPPCA member contractor.
Contractor Sackett suffered an on-the-job injury and underwent surgery, from which he is currently recovering. He may be able to complete the job by September or October of 2007 -- if fully recovered. To add to the Danville couple's trials and tribulations, their 19 year old son just suffered a baseball injury and needs hospital attention.
IPPCA put out the word for help. "I was amazed at how quickly our members e-mailed back with pledges of supplies, equipment and volunteer labor," Jones says.
Construction material and pond contractors from all over the United States descended on the Danville couple's back yard this summer as part of "Ponditat for Humanity," an annual event sponsored by IPPCA, where members of the pond and water garden industry pool their resources to gift some distressed and worthy pond lover with an extreme pond makeover.
The Jones' modest 6 by 8 foot water feature will undergo dramatic transformation. The IPPCA's goal is to increase the size by 10 times the area for fish and plants, with two waterfalls, each with 10 and 20 foot streams, plus new aquatic plants and landscaping. Because Tony is a model train enthusiast, a custom miniature rail route with a tunnel and functioning waterwheel will be added to the new installation.
Dow Chemical will donate the volunteers' T-shirts and the waterfall construction material. Other pump, plant and pond supply companies are contributing to the estimated $50,000.00 valued project, including Comfort Inns of Danville.
Tony Jones served 27 years with the Danville Police Department and has been a volunteer with the Bismarck Fire Department. He suffered a heart attack in 1994 and stroke in 1996, which left him with walking and balance difficulties. Linda Jones is a physical therapist who recently underwent back surgery and will need to retire. The water garden makeover will incorporate features that will assist the physically challenged to move around the installation more easily
IPPCA will also be presenting a check for $11,500.00 on behalf of the Joneses to Gary Sackett, the disabled contractor, to cover the work that he had hoped to complete.
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Posted October 24, 2007, 11:35 a.m., EST
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