Beyond the Field: The Joe Burrow Foundation's Impact on Our Garden Club

As football season kicks off tonight, my heart is especially full of gratitude for something beyond the excitement on the field. Last spring, The Joe Burrow Foundation, led by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and his parents, announced their first round of "Do Good" grants. It felt like fate when I read the announcement, knowing the impact this grant could have on the free Garden Club with Wesley Chapel Mission Center that I’ve been leading with high school students for the past nine years.

I remember reaching out to the Wesley Mission Center, where the director and high school program staff were fully on board with my vision to apply for the grant. Together, we envisioned what could happen if we had additional resources to empower these students—not just in gardening, but in cultivating confidence and realizing their own potential. This dream became a reality when we received the exciting news that we were one of the grant recipients.

Summer 2023: Meeting the Burrows
In the summer of 2023, we had the incredible opportunity to meet the Burrows and attend a press event announcing the Cincinnati grant recipients. Here’s a selfie of Mr. Corey, Executive Director of Wesley Chapel Mission Center, with Mr. Burrow and myself capturing this memorable moment!

This spring, we carefully planned and ordered everything we needed to make the club even more impactful. We ordered special seeds like cherry chocolate sunflowers, Texas hummingbird mint, mazurkia zinnias, and lemon basil, along with personal gardening tools for every student. We wanted to create an experience where they felt ownership over their work. No more sharing gloves, shears or vases—each student now has his/her own set.

Spring 2024: Ordering Supplies
Our youth took charge of ordering supplies for the garden. They diligently searched online for the requested items, managed our budget, and collaborated with staff to place the orders. Their hands-on involvement not only enhanced their organizational skills but also deepened their connection to the project. In the photo, the students proudly hold up #9 for Joey B!

We also invested in a storage bench to serve a two-fold purpose—a place to organize and store materials, and also to display and showcase the produce and flowers we grew and harvested. This bench will allow us to give back to the community even when the garden is closed—occasionally offering fresh vegetables to those who are hungry or a bouquet to someone who might need a little lift.

Just yesterday, we all gathered together and utilized much of our newly acquired materials to cut and arrange fresh flowers—a moment I dreamed of since learning we earned the grant. As I walked with the students from bed to bed, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for The Joe Burrow Foundation. Their belief in our program provided the tools we need to help foster a deeper sense of confidence and purpose in these young people.

Seeing the students pour their hearts into their arrangements truly melted my heart. It’s not easy to teach self-confidence, but gardening has a way of nurturing it in ways that go beyond the soil. These kids are not just learning to grow plants; they’re learning to cultivate their own entrepreneurial potential.

Now that school is back in session, we meet twice a month, year-round. With every meeting, I’m reminded of how blessed we are to have this support, and I can’t wait to see how the students continue to bloom—both in the garden and in their lives.

Thank you, Joe Burrow Foundation, for believing in us and making a difference in our garden program. Your generosity has sparked so much more than flowers—it’s growing confidence, resilience, and hope. Together, we’re planting seeds of change for our future!