February 26, 2019

If you don’t know Sherry and Tom Jackson, you probably know their dog Liberty. Liberty, a Karelian Bear Dog, is always dressed for the occasion, whether it be her Bark Ranger costume complete with park ranger hat and vest at Arch Bark, St. Louis Blues and St. Louis Cardinals fleece jacket at One Nation Night, or her Oktoberfest dress and apron at Kiener Cocktails. Sherry designs and produces Liberty’s entire wardrobe.

“People ask why we dress her up and how we get her to wear things,” Tom said. “We’ve found that folks, the young in particular, see her as more approachable. And she has always seemed to like to dress up.”

Sarah Melinger, Gateway Arch Park Foundation Director of Development, Sherry Jackson, Tom Jackson, and their dog Liberty

The Jacksons have been members of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation since they attended Arch Bark with Liberty in 2017. They were impressed with how the new park design added to the Gateway Arch itself - especially the new entrance. The Jacksons live in O’Fallon, Illinois and make a point to attend as many events at the Gateway Arch as they can.

“There are now so many more reasons to visit, besides riding the tram to the top, and the foundation is instrumental in helping everyone make the most of the possibilities,” Tom said. The Jacksons are members of the Eero Saarinen Society of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, making an on-going monthly contribution. The society, named in honor of the designer of the Gateway Arch, acknowledges those who make annual leadership level gifts.

“Everyone in the entire metro area can be proud of what has been done, and there is no better way to share this pride with new friends, keep up with what is happening at the Arch park, and ensure its future than to join the foundation,” Tom said. “We hope our support will help ensure the Arch provides a safe, exciting, enjoyable venue to study the past, capture the moment, and peer into the future.” To learn more about becoming a member of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, visit ArchPark.org/Membership.