With help from local businesses and the Augusta community, Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman wants to improve the appearance of the skyline overlooking downtown Augusta.
Zimmerman, a local artist, founded the nonprofit Project Happy Water to raise $100,000 that will be used to restore and paint his Happy Robot logo on the water tower on top of the JB Whites Building located at 936 Broad St. The nonprofit held a kickoff fundraiser called High Water on Thursday, March 24, which raised $11,000.
The event, attended by 225 people, included an art auction featuring works from local artists. Several downtown businesses, including Mod Ink, Art on Broad, Tire City Potters, and Naaiya’s Flowers, supported the fundraiser.
“We are honestly blown away by the number of people who showed up last night and generously donated to our project,” said Pierce Legeion, Vice President and media relations for Project Happy Water. “Augustans never fail to get behind a cause they feel is worthy, and we are so honored to have the community’s support on this.”
The water tower hasn’t been used since 1946, but Zimmerman wants to restore it to working condition. Project Happy Water will hold another fundraiser, a lunar eclipse paddle hosted by Two Dudes and Boat Kayak Rentals, on Sunday, May 15.
He started his Happy campaign in 2012 to help others smile.
“Ultimately, we’re looking to put a smile on people’s faces,” Legeion said. “It’s as simple as that.”
For more information or to donate, visit projecthappywater.com.
