Outdoor Art Makes Waves, Funds Cancer Research

Stopping at the light at Old Keene Mill Road and Rolling Road in West Springfield in Fairfax County, idling drivers waiting for the light to turn green might glance over and wonder: What's the story behind that sparkling dolphin at the Cardinal Plaza Shell service station?

Taking a break from his duties, station dealer Scott Brown, father of five, explained that he purchased the dolphin outdoor art piece for $2,500 in Virginia Beach about five years ago as part of an annual fundraiser there, dubbed "A Dolphin's Promise." His dollars went to cancer research and to help the lives of people affected by cancer, specifically the Lance Armstrong Foundation's Live Strong campaign.

"An artist created it and cancer patients helped decorate it," he and other employees at the service station explained. Brown purchased two of the dolphins and gave one to his father, who lives in Virginia Beach.

The bejeweled dolphin is the centerpiece on the corner of the busy intersection, in a spot that is landscaped to perfection by Doug Brown, Scott's brother. The service station landscaping includes a fountain, waterfalls, benches and flowers in every color.

If you hit the beach in Virginia Beach this summer, you're sure to see one of the many "promise dolphins" around town, at area schools, restaurants and at the Virginia Aquarium.

For more information about Live Strong, visit www.LiveStrong.org.