Peacock fountain funded, getting set for unveiling

Winter Park Life Scout John Michael Thomas has finally hit the $50,000 mark to purchase a bronze peacock fountain in memory of a fallen friend.

John Michael began his fundraising efforts back in May, spreading the word and raising $3,200 in just the first week. The bronze peacock, which will be placed in the rose garden at Winter Park’s Central Park, pays tribute a tribute to John Michael’s childhood friend Elizabeth Buckley, who passed away of an inoperable brain tumor in December 2012.

“I’m very relieved that, after everything, we finally got the money together,” John Michael said. “I’m just really happy I could provide the comfort to the Buckleys with the fountain, to have something that will be here much longer than we will to remember Elizabeth by.”

“I cannot believe how generous people have been and how supportive they have been; I’m just really overwhelmed,” said Valorie, John Michael’s mother. “It’s been a long journey.”

“My son felt called to do something that was going to be hard to do, something that will impact those who are drawn to the fountain … he was called to deliver a message for [Elizabeth].”

Construction has already started on the fountain and a dedication ceremony has been set for Thursday, Dec. 18, at 5:30 p.m.