Erin Cole’s proposed project to help create a meditation garden for women recovering from drug addiction met with widespread community support at the Red Tulip Project’s annual dinner Sept. 27.
Erin Cole’s proposed project to help create a meditation garden for women recovering from drug addiction met with widespread community support at the Red Tulip Project’s annual dinner Sept. 27.
A senior at Kenston High School, Cole spoke to more than 100 diners during the RTP’s eighth annual Pasta With a Purpose fundraiser at Guido’s Restaurant in Chester Township.
In order to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award, Cole proposed raising funds for garden paths at the Monarch Meadow House in Claridon Township.
“My project will make a difference to people on the path to recovery,” she said.
The garden, located near the recovery house, was designed by Chad George of Lowe’s Greenhouse, Florist and Gift Shop in Bainbridge Township, who spoke at the event.
The garden and 12 meditation paths will measure 250 feet by 180 feet, with the garden making up the body of the butterfly and the paths spreading out to form the wings, he said.
“We designed it so it can be seen from the sky. It was meant to have a scale that mimics the problem we have with the disease,” George said.
The first phase of the project is complete, according to the RTP Pasta With a Purpose program. Individuals at the house are able to relax in the Madeleine Rose Healing Heart Garden, funded through the Madeleine Rose Foundation.
Once her project is approved by the Girl Scout Council, Cole is planning the next phase to collaborate with sponsors to create the 12 paths or pods that represent the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.
“Each pod is being personally designed by the pod sponsor, Ms. Cole and our friends at Lowe’s Greenhouse. In addition to being a place of focus and retreat for individuals, the garden will serve to attract pollinators to the meadow,” according to the program.
At the end of each path will be a station that can be designed in remembrance of a loved one, with a goal of raising $1,500 to $3,000 per station. Materials and labor for the 12 pathways is estimated to be $15,000
The crowd watched a video in which women at Monarch Meadow House talked about their experiences with alcohol or drugs and recovery from those addictions.
Cole asked those attending to consider sponsoring a path.
“We cannot do this without you,” she said.
