Spencer Poetry Pavilion

My Dad, Tom Spencer was a poet. He wrote every day, taught poetry and mentored other writers. When my mom, Kathy Spencer, was alive, she also wrote poetry and supported my dad, helping him to be published.

My Dad's last book was dedicated to raise money to build something to support art and literacy in Northwest Indiana. Therefore, we are donating the money collected from the sale of his book, Words, and the donations made after his and my Mom's funerals to Freedom Park, Lowell, IN to build a gazebo in the park. It will be called the Poetry Pavilion and will have 8 plaques of poetry and 8 plaques of Haiku in and around the pavilion.

We already have a grand total of $6,000 in the bank to be used in building the gazebo. Funds raised here will pay for the poetry plaques and contribute to the building and landscaping of the gazebo.

Suggestions for poetry are welcome.

When we approached the people of Freedom Park with our idea, their enthusiasm for the project was overwhelming! They have already picked a location, designed the gazebo and are gathering bids for the concrete and construction. With that in mind, we have a very short time to raise more funds.

In fact, many of you have already donated. For that, we are grateful! If you have not already donated, or would like to sponsor a Poem or Haiku Plaque, or add to your donation, please don't delay.

It's been two years since Dad passed and nine years since we lost Mom. Although it's taken a bit to get going, this project is vey dear to us and we appreciate your contributions, encouragements and support, both monetary and poetic.

Donations can still be made at the DeMotte State Bank, in Lowell, IN, to the Tom Spencer Memorial Fund Account. Or, you can donate here until until February 15th.