906-341-3200 Healing Garden Quilt Fundraiser
March 7, 2016
Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital is in the planning phase of the “Healing Garden Project”. Plans for the garden include a paved walkway, several small gardens and a central garden for healing therapy. The space can be used by the general public for classes such as meditation, tai chi, yoga and other special events. Some of the raised garden beds will be wheelchair accessible. Comfortable seating will be available to enjoy the surroundings. The gardens will be maintained with organic, sustainable techniques. High school students from the building trades class are working hard to build several benches and an archway for the project.
“We want our patients, visitors and employees to have a place to heal, rejuvenate and relax. The Healing Garden project promotes wellness in our community. We hope to recruit volunteers with a passion for gardening to make this project come to life,” says Cathy Flores, Healing Gardens Coordinator. Fundraising efforts for the gardens have begun. Six handmade quilts, each a unique work of art, were donated to the Healing Garden Project. These beautiful, garden themed quilts will be on display at the hospital during the month of March in the atrium area. The quilt artist is Cathy Kaltz, a cancer survivor, hospital employee and self-taught quilter who appreciates the concepts of the Healing Garden. Cathy wanted to do something to help get the garden established.
As a direct result of this generous donation from Cathy, the Healing Garden Project Committee will be hosting a donation drive during March with these garden quilts. For each donation of $10, community members can vote on the most beautiful quilt design. On Thursday, March 31st, the votes will be tallied and the most beautiful quilt will be announced. The Healing Garden Project Committee will be randomly selecting ballots from the donors to receive the quilt they voted for.
Visitors can stop by the SMH Greeter’s desk, located in the atrium, to pick up a voting ballet or to drop off your donation during the month of March. Donations for the quilt drive will be accepted until the end of business on Wednesday, March 30th. The quilt receiving the most appreciative votes will be announced by the close of business on that date.
In addition to the quilt fundraiser for the Healing Garden Project, engraved brick pavers are being sold. The brick pavers will be used to establish a walking path in the main garden area ensuring that the area is wheelchair accessible. Community members can personalize a brick by having it engraved with the name of family members, loved ones, businesses or pet names. By purchasing one of the brick pavers, you will become a permanent part of the garden. Various brick sizes are available and can be viewed and/or ordered on the SCMH hospital’s website: https://scmh.org/community/the-healing-gardens/
For questions regarding the Healing Gardens, please contact Cathy Flores at 906-341-3232 or cflores@scmh.org
