Eighteen months in the planning, our Treehouse and Garden Walk was held June 23 and 24, with all proceeds going to Iowa Homeless Youth Centers and the Des Moines Food Pantry. Perfect choices, since I had connected with both during my ten years in social work. Fortunately, both groups brought their own zest, organization, suggestions, volunteers, and grunt labor. Plus, Iowa's own Rob Lumbard, musician/singer, performed throughout. From first to last, the weekend was blessed by the heavens. Though the night before brought torrential rains and wind that leveled nearby towns, both days were dry, bright clouds, and 70s. Mary Challender from the Des Moines Register kicked it off with a huge photo spread the first morning, which easily drew half the crowd. Which prompted KCCI-TV a couple weeks later to run two different stories in their evening news, which prompted a couple weeks later a beautiful six-page feature in the Des Moines Homestyle Magazine. The event brought over thirteen hundred visitors through our home, and raised over $5,000, with a few visitors (and checks) dribbling in weeks later. Many requests for a future open house -- yipes!! A possibility, though would have to be way into the future. Many thanks for those involved...a truly wonderful adventure for all of us!!
Jack Barnhart

Des Moines Register, June 23, 2007

Des Moines Homestyle Magazine, August, 2007

Photos -- People

Photos -- Garden