Women, children in Africa to benefit from Barrington Garden Fair, Marketplace
More than 800 guests attended the Hands of Hope 18th annual Barrington Garden Fair & Marketplace on June 15 and 16, at three Barrington Hills estates, despite rainstorms and excessive heat.
The event raised more than $220,000 for women and children in Zambia. In the past 10 years of this event, the proceeds have produced 105 clean water wells, along with three schools and two health care clinics built in rural African villages.
"One of the things that happens each year at the Barrington Garden Fair & Marketplace is the connection we are able to create between our volunteers and attendees and the women and children of Zambia," said Vicky Wauterlek, founder and president of Hands of Hope.
Hands of Hope is grateful to the Barrington Hills families who prepared and made their beautiful gardens available to the attendees of this year's Barrington Garden Fair. We also thank our generous sponsors, presenters and designers:
• Platinum sponsors: Barbara Erickson, John and Vicky Wauterlek, Mike Wauterlek
• Gold sponsors: Horticultural Associates Inc., Staab & Olmsted, LLC: Landscape Architecture & Fine Garden Services, Tom and Jeannie Tisbo
• Silver sponsors: Piercey & Associates, Ltd.
• Benefactors: Joe and Ann Messer, Joel and Tammy Rubin
• Patrons: Scott and Tracy Brown, Terry and Laurette Grove, Jack and Donna Mulholland, Glenn and Barbara Reed
• Friends: Angel Water Inc., Barrington Print & Copy, Barrington High School, The Bridge Church, Cherie Efken of C Estate Sales, Clarke Mosquito Control, Egg Harbor Cafe, Karen Ensslin of Top Stitch, Marjorie and John James, Johnson Signs, Kelsey Love, Gail McGrath of Performance Media, Walter E. Smithe Furniture + Design, Tom Stephano of Skyline Sales, Herbert D. Stith, DDS, Taylor Party Rental Plus, Ray Vitha of Walsh's Upholstery & Carpet.
Presenters were:
• Susan Lenz, director of Community Engagement, Barrington Area Conservation Trust
• Pierre Pollin, Award-winning culinary chef and beekeeper enthusiast
• Carrie Schloss, author of the "Asheville Bee Charmer"
• Emily Noshay, Smart Farm
• Garden Vignette Designers:
• Michelle D'Arcy, Horticultural Associates, Inc.
• Melinda Hartz McElroy, Billet-Doux Couture Stationary & Invitations
• April Graves, Light Drawn Studios
Without the generosity of these people and organizations, we would not be able to put on the Barrington Garden Fair & Marketplace nor could we achieve the results that improve the lives of so many.
"Our committee members and volunteers share their time, energy, and talents to making this event a success each year. Each hour volunteered translates to real change for the women and children in Zambia," says Starr Shum and Gina Erdman, co-chairwomen of the Event Oversight Committee.
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