Creating rainbows in our community

RainbowHearts_SXC_1414428_50381383_WEBBy Heather Chappell

Shades of green have returned to the Front Range and some of you are probably already reaping the benefits of a well planned fall and early spring. This is such a magical time of year; birds are nesting with new broods, buds are swelling and bursting, and shoots have sprouted in the garden with the promise of a tasty bounty.  Working at the nursery gives me a front row seat to the magic but also reminds me that for others, the trials of daily life can trump these small pleasures. Fortunately, we live in a community with an incredible variety of non-profit organizations dedicated to making life better for people so that everyone can afford a moment to appreciate the magic around them.

As the Marketing Director at Fort Collins Nursery, I have the privilege of working closely with many amazing non-profit organizations in Fort Collins. Over the past few years, I have been able to collaborate with some of these extraordinary groups on fundraising events and special projects. Organizations like The Growing Project, Friends of Happy Heart Farm, Project Self-Sufficiency, Loveland Youth Gardeners and the Junior League along with countless others that change people’s lives and make our community such an awesome place to live!

One of our most popular events is Ladies’ Night, coming up on June 5th. We have partnered with Project Self-Sufficiency (PS-S) to help them raise funds for their worthwhile programs. Their mission is to assist low-income, single parents in their efforts to achieve economic independence and become free from community and government assistance while building and maintaining strong, healthy families. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that, right?

We create an environment here at the nursery that is all about community and togetherness for Ladies’ Night. This year, in addition to the regular live music, food, drinks, silent auction, chair massage, tarot readings and specials, we have invited some great community organizations to set-up as vendors: Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary, Crescendo Olive Oil, Raspberry Hill Flowers and Ten Thousand Villages. The evening is sure to be a fun time for all who attend and a great benefit to our friends at PS-S. Join us from 4-7pm on Thursday, June 5th and invite your friends and neighbors to come along too!

When it comes to giving of yourself in order to benefit another, I think that Maya Angelou said it best… “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” I feel blessed that part of my job includes creating opportunities to help others. I like to think of the nursery as a prism, bending light and casting rainbows in all directions of this lovely little town we call home.

Originally published on June 2nd, 2014. Updated on October 30th, 2014.