GARDEN OF HOPE

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. These words are very meaningful to the Herris Peckett family. Board member Barbara Peckett was drawn to the Memory Garden project from the beginning, as was her husband Chet. He graduated from the University of FL in Horticulture Sciences and has been a horticulturalist for forty years. Plants have been an important part of their family’s lives for decades.

​“Sponsoring New Hope’s Garden of Hope seemed the perfect way to memorialize beloved family and friends and give grieving children and their families a place to relax, meditate, play and recall their special loved ones.” Barbara continued, “Our parents, grandparents and sisters have always made gardening, plants and flowers a priority in their lives—at home, work and in travel. We visit botanical gardens locally, nationally and internationally to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of God’s handiwork.”

​New Hope for Kids is seeing that space become a reality under the direction of Collage Construction. With the help of generous donations and grants, the southwest portion of the property has been transformed from parking lot to playground and more. Construction is nearly complete, and with just a few more items left on the list, the area is about to come to life.

​“We are delighted with the multiuse play area and memorial garden that our grant partnership with New Hope for Kids has created,” said Ken Robinson, President/CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities. “It will be a wonderful opportunity for children to incorporate healthy outdoor activities as part of the ongoing grief support New Hope for Kids provides to children and their families.”​

​Exercise, fresh air, a healthy diet, and proper emotional support work together to give each person the opportunity to work through the challenges of life. In New Hope for Kids outside spaces, a garden will include an area with grow boxes for vegetables and herbs. The play area will build friendships and good health as they play basketball, kickball, four square and other games. With safety in mind, the gardens and play area will be enclosed by a fence when in use by children and families.​

“The Kiwanis Club of Orlando Foundation is honored to help support New Hope for Kids’ construction of a play area and memorial garden that will provide an outdoor area where children can work through the grieving process. Steve Kirby, President

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The play area will be surrounded by The Garden of Hope, a memorial garden that will be open to our families and others that live in our community for a series of special remembrance events during the year. This area will allow families to walk or sit in the garden area as well as create memorials for their own loved ones. It can also be incorporated into special grief activities for the kids in their support groups.

“The Trustees of The Joe & Sarah Galloway Foundation are honored to support the critical programs that New Hope for Kids provides to children and families in our community. The Trustees would also like to extend their appreciation to the staff, volunteers and supporters of New Hope for Kids for their generous commitment of time, talent and treasure.”

We are extremely grateful for the profound financial support of the Herris Peckett Family, Dr. Phillips Charities, the Kiwanis Club of Orlando Foundation, and The Joe and Sarah Galloway Foundation. Their generosity along with professional services donated by Elena Pathak of KTH Architects, and Ruth Perry and Pete Sechler of GAI Landscape Architects moved this project from dream to reality, and we are so excited for the future healing and joy that will be created in The Garden of Hope at New Hope for Kids.

Opportunities to support this special outdoor space are available with giving levels starting at $25. We are very pleased to announce that your contributions will be doubled by the HCF Foundation dollar for dollar up to $50,000!

Click here to learn to learn how you can be part of The Garden of Hope!