SAMMY'S TIKI-BANK HYDRANT FOR "THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE HYDRANTS"

August 22, 2013
SAMMY'S TIKI-BANK HYDRANT FOR "THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE HYDRANTS"
Todd Gallopo and Sammy. Photo by Zan Passante
More images are available below.

Recently Sammy sponsored a fire hydrant that is part of of a Chicago public art project called "The Great Chicago Fire Hydrants". Sammy's "Tiki-Bank Hydrant" is one in a series of 101 that represents each Chicago firehouse.

Sammy helped design the tiki hydrant with artist Todd Gallopo. The concept was to take some of Sammy's island lifestyle and charitable vibes and translate that into a meaningful piece of art for the hydrant. The result was a Tiki-Bank. Todd converted the hydrant into a giant "piggy bank" so that people on the street could also donate spare change to the 100 Club of Chicago. That way more money is raised than just what is raised at auction for the hydrant itself. The Tiki motif painted on the hydrant is intended to symbolize protection - what the fearless firefighters provide for the citizens Chicago.

The colorful 5-foot tall sculptures will be placed throughout Chicago from September 11th until November 11th, in tribute to the work and heroism of Chicago's beloved firefighters. At the end of the exhibition, the hydrants will be gathered for a final exhibit together before being auctioned off. The proceeds will benefit the 100 Club of Chicago, which helps families of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty.

SAMMY'S TIKI-BANK HYDRANT FOR "THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE HYDRANTS"
SAMMY'S TIKI-BANK HYDRANT FOR "THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE HYDRANTS"
The finished "Tiki-Bank Hydrant"
SAMMY'S TIKI-BANK HYDRANT FOR "THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE HYDRANTS"
"IN HONOR OF THE FEARLESS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES TO PROTECT CHICAGO"
SAMMY'S TIKI-BANK HYDRANT FOR "THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE HYDRANTS"
SAMMY'S TIKI-BANK HYDRANT FOR "THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE HYDRANTS"
SAMMY'S TIKI-BANK HYDRANT FOR "THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE HYDRANTS"
SAMMY'S TIKI-BANK HYDRANT FOR "THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE HYDRANTS"
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 3  Redhead Comments

3lockbox's picture

I don't know of any musician who does more good with their influence than Sammy.Jackson Browne,maybe but he's not as well known globally.Sting and Bono only seem to do it for the recognition-Sammy always seems to involve his fans in some way such as this fire-hydrant,benefit concerts,etc.He's as good a person as he is a musician and that's saying a lot!RED ROCKER FOREVER!

azure.s's picture

I'm glad there's more explanation here than on FB! Thought it was a real hydrant, at first...
I was wondering why it was so big! It's going to get heavy, after people pop their change into it!
Good to learn about the protective intention of the Tiki, too. Very cool.
I hope it goes for a very high bid at auction; keep us posted!

bryang042's picture

See you tomorrow night in Chi Town.... Center Stage.... second row... Maybe you will recognize me when you see me.. Would love a picture with you.... As a past Firefighter/Paramedic in Florida.. Rock On !!