The Shining Star award is presented to an individual or business who has gone above and beyond to be a Shining Star in and for the community.
Andi Lee and Wendy Zent
The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce staff and board of directors presented the Shining Star award to Andi Lee and Wendy Zent of the Wilson Family on May 26, 2022. The Shining Star award is presented to individuals or businesses who have gone above and beyond to be a Shining Star in and for the community. Andi and Wendy were nominated for and received this award upon the completion and opening of a splash pad located within Rochester City Park.
Sisters Andi and Wendy recognized a need in Rochester for more kid-friendly activities, so they researched together what would be needed to open a splash pad. They developed plans, wrote and distributed donation letters, pursued grant opportunities, and worked with the City of Rochester and many local businesses to execute their plans. When asked what made them decide to pursue a splash pad in Rochester, Wendy jokes, “I was tired of driving to Argos with my grandkids all summer!” Fulton Economic Development Corporation (FEDCO) served as the fundraising mechanism for the project. “One of our most important initiatives is quality of life for Fulton County residents. We are happy to be a part of this project that improves Rochester’s quality of life,” says FEDCO Director Tiffany Futrell.
The Rochester City Park Splash Pad will be open 10AM-8PM daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is a sensor that will turn on water for ten-minute periods during open hours. The family says work is not yet complete. They plan to install a fence and picnic tables in the area. Anyone who would like to contribute to the project can write a check payable to FEDCO with “splash pad” in the memo line. All contributions may be tax-deductible.
Pictured left to right:
Ashley Young
Ren Zent
Hannah Bahney
Whitley Moser
Cory Good, Chamber Board of Directors
Andi Lee
Bill Morris
Wendy Zent
Jillian Smith, Chamber Executive Director
Tiffany Futrell, FEDCO Director
Brian Johnson, Fulton County Community Foundation
Taylor Showley, Chamber Board of Directors
Cassie Peyton, Chamber Ambassador with Teachers Credit Union
Janet West, Chamber Ambassador with Beacon Credit Union
Jennifer Wilcox, Chamber Ambassador with Lakeshore Realtors