Beautifying the Garden Center Grounds
Quill Duncan, Chairman; Sandy Reed, Co-Chair
The DeKalb Federation of Garden Clubs maintains the grounds adjacent to the Garden Center. In 2019, a project was started to renovate the 30-year-old landscaping. A group of members, representing several DeKalb Federation clubs, meets regularly to plant, prune, weed and water the landscape plantings. The concrete planters outside the Conservatory are refurbished twice a year with summer and winter annuals.
Nurturing with Nature
Bonnie Pennington, Chairman
A new Garden Therapy project was started in 2019 in conjunction with Georgia Regional Hospital. DeKalb Federation supports the establishment and expansion of therapeutic gardens at Georgia Regional Hospital in Atlanta by giving advice on plants and planting and monetary contributions. Grants from The Garden Club of Georgia and Espoma Organics have also supported this program.
Public Grounds Improvement Grant
Sheldon Fleming, Chairman
This grant supports member clubs in improving public grounds, including school grounds, libraries and other public areas. Up to two $250 grants are available each year. Grounds Improvement includes beautification as well as environmental education. Clubs may apply for this grant at any time during the year for new or ongoing projects. To apply, clubs should submit the following: location of the project and how the project was selected; the scope of the project; value to the community and how it will be maintained; club participation in the project; before and after photographs.
Blue Star Markers
Nan Loftis, Chairman
DeKalb Federation would like to increase the number of Blue Star Markers in our communities. We are currently working with the leadership of the city of Tucker to identify a site for a Blue Star Marker. This marker will be paid for with funds from the DeKalb Federation treasury. Donations from member clubs and businesses in Tucker will be gratefully accepted.
In 2018, DeKalb Federation approved the establishment of a Blue Star Marker grant program, which provides up to three $500 grants to clubs for the restoration or installation of a Blue Star Marker. The Garden Club of Georgia also has a matching grant program which will cover half of the cost of restoration. Member clubs are encouraged to identify markers needing restoration and apply for these grants.
Community Service/Community Improvement
Glenndolyn Hallman, Chairman
Project Fig Leaf: Project Fig Leaf donations of clothing and toiletry items are collected by our clubs and delivered to either the Georgia Regional Hospital or the Veterans Administration Hospital for their residents.
Holidays for Heroes: Member clubs prepare holiday cards for active military personnel overseas. Cards are collected at the September Federation General meeting and taken to Dobbins Air Force Base for distribution. Cards should be unsealed, signed with a generic greeting, and must not contain glitter.
Pull And Save a Tab for Ronald McDonald: We collect pull tabs from aluminum containers, which are given to the local Ronald McDonald house. The tabs are sold to an aluminum recycler and the funds used to help finance the on-going projects of the Ronald McDonald Charities, which includes two Ronald McDonald Houses in the Atlanta area. The chairman weighs each club’s contributions, and those contributing the greatest amount are recognized at our annual Awards Luncheon.
Keep DeKalb Beautiful
Kathy Kingsbury, Chairman
This organization is involved with making our community safe environmentally by recycling, eliminating illegal signs and over-grown properties, and many other worthwhile projects. Our members contribute by participating in recycling, cleanup days, etc. The chairman shares information from this organization with our members at monthly meetings and through e-mails.
Leading Lights Annual Fundraiser
Rigby Duncan, Chairman
First begun in 2003, this is our major fundraiser and is held in early November. Guests enjoy a catered lunch, bingo or fashion show, door prizes, and raffles of gift baskets donated by our member clubs and other items donated by local businesses. This is an opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping by visiting the many vendor booths. Leading Lights is held at the Courtyard at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Please support this fundraiser with your time, talents and presence by contacting Rigby Duncan to volunteer.
Patriotic Tribute for First Responders (Remember 9/11)
Susan Turner, Chairman
Beginning in 2014, Federation members participate on September 11 in a ceremony at the DeKalb County Police and Fire Headquarters in Tucker honoring the memory of the first responders who died in the horrific events of 2011. We provide and place a wreath on the memorial at the front of the complex, which was constructed from debris of the Twin Towers. This event is attended by many dignitaries, and we receive coverage in the media.