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The Crowne Jewel

You might call it the finishing touch, the icing on the cake, or the cherry on top, but RMHC Kansas City calls it the Crowne – the Crowne Garden that is.

Next to their 41-bedroom Longfellow Park Ronald McDonald House, are 10 organic garden beds, lovingly donated and tended by their long-term corporate partner, Hallmark.

At RMHC, we find that special touches at Ronald McDonald House programs can often provide the best medicine of all. So when Hallmark asked RMHC of Kansas City if they could use a garden – a place to grow vegetables all summer long, to relax and reflect, and to provide hope with new growth – RMHC of Kansas City knew it would be the perfect finishing touch to their Longfellow Park Ronald McDonald House.

So Hallmark and a group of dedicated, “green thumb” employees built and now maintain an organic garden outside the House. It currently consists of 10 raised beds burgeoning with organic fruits and vegetables, and next year they plan to add another 10 beds as well as four fruit trees. The garden contains spinach, lettuce, snap peas, onions, carrots, potatoes, radishes, and tomatoes – all of which guest families can gather and cook with.

The organic garden not only serves a practical, nourishing role for families at the House, it is also provides a therapeutic outlet and welcome break for families spending long hours inside hospitals and medical facilities. One mother, currently staying at the House, spent hours picking beans and making onion vinegar pickles. She was waiting for her child’s test results and welcomed the opportunity to work in the garden and kitchen during that stressful time.

“Hallmark has been an incredible supporter to the families cared for by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City through the years,” said Holly Buckendahl, executive director of RMHC Kansas City. “The Crowne Community Garden, built and maintained by a tremendous corps of Hallmark employees, is a shining example.” 

Comments (1)|(Hide)

  • Amanda

    09/10/2011 11:05am

    This garden is wonderful. I'm currently at the house and love to look out the third floor window and see all the green in the garden. It's very relaxing and comforting!

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