Chloe's Sunshine Playground Ground Breaking

FIVE years in the making and the day finally came that we were breaking ground on Chloe's Sunshine Playground! We were the recipients of a grant that put us over the edge of what we needed to complete the first phase (everything except the splash pad and updating the restrooms). So after some happy tears and a happy dance with Kresta, we got to planning the ground breaking. It. Was. Awesome.

 

They asked me to say a few things and I talked about how when I first learned Chloe had problems and first started having problems getting her in the swings and rolling her around playgrounds, I thought to myself, 'Somebody really needs to do something about this so there is an accessible playground in our area.' Then I realized I am somebody. And I did my part to initiate the process, but from big business donations to lemonade stand fundraisers, the playground is truly the work of a community coming together. And I am so grateful and so thrilled and so excited!

Chloe did the first scoop. The city gave us the shovel to keep forever. What a treasure!

It was an absolutely AMAZING night!

Here is a newspaper article about the funding and ground breaking: http://thenochildleftoutproject.blogspot.com/2014/07/chloes-sunshine-playground-funded.html

"Chloe, we got your back."

Standard Examiner Article
by Bryon Saxton
Posted:  10/23/2012

Five-year-old Chloe Bennett, wearing a bright dress and brighter smile, beamed as she sat in her wheelchair at the Davis County Commission meeting. She waited for her doting father, Oby Bennett, who stood at her side, to be presented with a check.

"Chloe, we got your back," Davis County Commissioner Louenda Downs said, as Syracuse city leaders and county officials on Tuesday huddled around the Bennett family to make the check-passing official. The check, for $42,046.20, is to be used to help develop Chloe's Sunshine Park at 1979 S. 1900 West, Syracuse. The 5-acre park is to be specifically designed for disabled children and enjoyed by children of all abilities. The check presented to the Bennetts represents the proceeds from the Davis County Gala and silent auction held Sept. 6 at Davis Conference Center. Oby Bennett said he is grateful for all the work Syracuse city officials and the county have done in moving the park project forward. The check awarded on Tuesday puts officials "one step closer to having the park done," Bennett said. About four years ago, Tara Bennett, Chloe's mother, approached Syracuse leaders requesting that they consider building a park where disabled children can play. "It's been a long process, but it is starting to come about," said Bonnie Mann, Chloe's grandmother. Each year, county officials select a charity to receive the proceeds from its annual Davis County Gala and silent auction event. This year, attendees at the gala enjoyed entertainment by the African Children's Choir as part of a program emceed by singer Alex Boye.

They were also treated to intense jungle-theme decorations and a meal. Prior to the event, the county had indicated it was hoping to raise from the gala about $35,000 for the park.

A WiLd NiGhT!

I didn't think I could feel more humble over the fact that the Davis County gala proceeds were going to go to the playground. It was such a beautiful event filled with beautiful, giving people. I was so honored and just overflowing with gratitude. Chloe thought it was pure magic and just loved being the center of attention of such a special night. I couldn't possibly put it all into words, so here it is in pictures...

They didn't miss a mark. Every square inch inside and out invited the WILD spirit of the night in honor of the amazingly talented African Children's Choir who entertained us all... it was jungle/safari theme everywhere you looked and I was just in AWE!!!

The Davis County Conference Center was FILLED to the brim with people who were there with open hearts and open wallets to support our project. I can't even put into words how much it meant to me! To know that people are so kind and believe in the playground as much as I do.... nothing could mean more than to be supported and have people believe in your vision. The silent auction literally blew me away. It was a giant room FILLED with extravagant donations from exercise equipment to tires to decorations to shoes, jewelry, furniture.... exquisite items.... all DONATED and SOLD for our cause. It. Was. Amazing.

Chloe was the belle of the ball... everyone in attendance knew who she was and came up to meet the famous little Chloe! There had been a commercial promoting the event for a week or so before on channel 5 so her cute little face was well-known. And boy, did she love the attention! She wasn't the only beauty in attendance, though. City and County beauty queens were there too. Chloe was honored when they wanted their picture with her!!! Don't let her face fool you in this pic, she was just lovin' being one of the pretty girls!

I'm pretty sure my jaw literally dropped when I walked into the event room. It was breath taking! This picture doesn't even do it justice. There was this green light effect that just blew me away that this picture doesn't do a good job of capturing and they even had jungle sound effects to further set the tone. It was beautiful. Beautiful!

Chloe just loved during dinner when they had a drum group playing. She was squealing up a storm. If she hadn't already been the center of attention, she would have been then. What a ham!

I was SO thrilled that The African Children's Choir was going to be the entertainment. I had seen them perform a few years ago and knew just how special they were. But they exceeded my expectations! Their energy was so contagious and their big, happy spirits just filled up the entire room with this feeling of appreciation for all of our differences and the reminder that anything is possible. I don't know if that even makes a bit of sense, but seriously, these kids taught me something just with their big smiles. It was really, really special.

I am disappointed that I haven't found the right words to express my gratitude and just astonishment at the night and the gift of my community to believe in this dream and support it in such a MAGNIFICENT and SPECIAL way. I am just grateful beyond words. Thank you, Davis County. Thank you, Syracuse city. It is a privilege and honor.

(For lots more amazing photos of this night, head here!)

Chloe's Sunshine Playground in the News!

I was bummed and discouraged when the benefit concert featuring Mindy Gledhill got cancelled, but I was quickly cheered up when I got the news about the Davis County Gala proceeds going to the playground AND a HUGE donation that was approved by the Davis County Commission. That will teach me to NEVER stop believing in the power of a dream and the goodness of others. I did nothing to make these two things happen. This good news was all brought to pass because OTHERS believe in Chloe's Sunshine Playground! I am humbled and grateful. Thank you, everyone!!!!!

Davis County Gala

Featuring the African Children's Choir

By Bryon Saxton of The Standard Examiner 4/24/12

A “wild” jungle theme is in place for this year’s annual Davis County Gala, and it’s expected that proceeds from the event will go a long way toward the development of Utah’s first fully accessible “unlimited play park” for children with special needs.

The annual black-tie affair, to be held the evening of Sept. 6 at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, will feature the African Children’s Choir, with all proceeds going to Chloe’s Sunshine Playground in Centennial Park in Syracuse.

The 5-acre park, to be developed around 1979 S. 1900 West, behind the Syracuse police station, is being billed by officials as meeting the state’s strict criteria for being its first unlimited play park.
The park is inspired by Syracuse mother Tara Bennett and her 5-year-old daughter, Chloe, who has special needs.

Based on the past success of the gala, the goal is to generate $35,000 to $40,000 toward developing the park, Davis County Commissioner John Petroff Jr. said.

The cost to attend the gala is $125 per person. Various sponsorship packages also are available.
The African Children’s Choir, in traditional dress, will sing and dance to spiritual renditions of inspirational songs, Davis Conference Center Director of Operations Dave Hilliard said.

The choir represents countries throughout Africa and is made up of children from 7 to 11 years old, he said. “(The choir has) traveled the world, been featured on the largest awards shows, and sang with industry stars such as Josh Groban.”

Davis County Gala Chairwoman Valerie Davis said having the gala contribute to the park project is “an incredible opportunity” for the community, because the park will be a first for Northern Utah.

“This park will be a destination for families with special-needs children that deserve a safe place to play just like any child,” Davis said.

Syracuse officials are also ecstatic that the county has selected the park as a gala recipient.

“What better thing can a community do than to come together for its children,” Syracuse Mayor Jamie Nagle said.

Nearly $200,000 in grants and private donations has already been raised for the park, including a $75,000 donation from Zions Banks and a $5,000 contribution from Layton entrepreneur and former state Sen. Haven J. Barlow.

But Nagle said having the project listed as a gala recipient is a major boon for the park, which is expected to feature a music garden and universally accessible playground equipment.

“If you’re a parent with a disabled child, there isn’t anything you wouldn’t do so that (your children) are not encumbered,” Nagle said.

Because of the $1 million cost involved with developing the park, Nagle said, it is likely the project may have to be completed in two different phases, with the hope of being able to break ground on the first phase this fall.

“This really is about a community coming together,” Nagle said.

“The purpose of the gala is to first, celebrate Davis County and the Davis Conference Center; second, to entertain, bringing top-notch performers to Davis County; and third, to give back by selecting a worthy cause to support,” Davis County Commissioner Louenda Downs said.

She added that, based on what the park will offer special-needs children, it is likely families from outside the county will also benefit from the park.

For more information and for tickets contact Davis County Community & Economic Development at 801-451-3286 or Neka@daviscountyutah.gov\

~~~

Davis County Commission Donation

 

By Bryon Saxton of The Standard Examiner 5/22/12

Donations continue to roll in for a $1 million Syracuse park designed to provide unlimited play for special needs children.

The latest is $75,000 from the Davis County Commission. The contribution, approved by the commission Tuesday, will come from funds the county receives as part of its Community Development Block Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Earth work on the park, known as Chloe's Sunshine Playground in Centennial Park, is slated to begin this fall, officials say.

The county providing CDBG funds toward developing the park is part of a "great partnership" between the county and Syracuse city, Davis County Commissioner Louenda Downs said.

The CDBG money the commission committed to the 5-acre park at 1979 S. 1900 West is in addition to the funds the county will generate for the project through its annual gala.

All proceeds from the annual black-tie affair, to be held Sept. 6 at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, will go toward developing the park.

County officials hope, based on previous galas, that the event will raise $35,000 to $40,000 for the park.
The county received $673,483 from the federal government to support community development and produce more affordable housing. The county has allocated those funds to nine organizations, with the Syracuse park receiving one of the larger contributions.

"This particular park is one of a kind," Davis County Commissioner Bret Millburn said of the project, which is drawing support community-wide.

Nearly $200,000 in grants and private donations have already been raised for the park, including a $75,000 donation from Zions Bank and a $5,000 contribution from Layton entrepreneur Haven J. Barlow, said Syracuse Mayor Jamie Nagle.

The park project may have to be done in phases, Nagle said, because of the development costs. The park is billed by officials as meeting the state's strict criteria for being its first unlimited play park, meaning it is accessible to all children including those with special needs.

"We're confident will we have the first phase (of the park) done by the first of next year," Nagle said.
"I think every partnership is critical, and the county has just supported us, knowing this is not only a draw for the city, but for the county."

Construction should begin in the fall, Nagle said, and will bring in many people from outside the area.
"It is such a positive thing. I feel like the momentum is there," she said.

The park is inspired by Syracuse mother Tara Bennett and her 5-year-old daughter, Chloe, who has special needs.

A Plea for Progress

I'm tired and want to go to bed. But something kept nagging at me about my recent hospital stay. I tried to put it out of my mind, I'm just too tired to 'go there' right now. Then I was catching up on Google Reader before drifting off to sleep, and read this post on kidz with quotes from an honorable man and advocate. His call to always do what is right lifted me out of bed and encouraged me to write this letter to the administration of the hospital where I just stayed. Keep in mind that I very literally have decreased blood flow to my brain right now. I know many parts could have been worded better, but here it is in all its raw glory...

To Whom It May Concern:

I'd like to address a situation that arose multiple times during my recent 4-day stay at your facility. I hesitate to do this. I have many positive things to say and am happy to go over all the positives as well, but feel morally obligated to address one issue that I believe needs to be educated to your staff.

This thought has been nagging at me for days, that I needed to come forward and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, but I didn't want to focus on one negative aspect of my overall positive experience. However, because today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I cannot help but remember his wise words, "The time is always right to do what is right." Therefore, I have to spread the word to end a word that many find offensive and unacceptable.

During my stay, I heard four members of your staff use the word retarded, referring to themselves or someone else for doing something stupid. Though I do know this word has latin roots and is used to describe many medical diagnoses, is found to be offensive when used in this manner. The main issue is that people who are literally mentally or physically retarded, find this term when used as a slur, to be highly insulting and offensive.

I am the parent of a child with significant special needs. I run a blog for other parents with children who have special needs. I was not personally offended when this word was used in your facility because I knew it was not done to be hurtful or unkind. However, it was done in ignorance. And ignorance, in my opinion, is the greatest disability. As an advocate for my daughter and all the other beautiful, unique people in this world who find this word offensive, I ask you to educate your staff, let them know that this word is NOT to be used in this manner. The use of this word needs to come to an end.. Not because of one patient's letter and your hopes that you can avoid a letter like this in the future, but because it is the RIGHT thing to do, and because I HOPE that you feel an ethical obligation to do the right thing.

To again echo Dr. King, "Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals." I hope that as you have now been educated of this word's inappropriateness, that you too will become passionately concerned to spread the word to end this word in your organization.

I'd also like to share a link to a video and a few words I wrote about this on my blog awhile back. http://kidzorg.blogspot.com/2011/05/not-acceptable-r-word-psa.html.

Let me end by thanking all those who cared for me during my stay. I work in the healthcare industry myself and admire all those who provide patient care in any aspect. I hope this email/letter isn't seen as a complaint, but as a plea for progress, and that it is taken seriously.

Thank you very much,

Tara Bennett

The Kindness of Others

Chloe is still not sleeping very much. On a good night, she/we get 3 hours of shut eye. We are zombies! But thanks to the kindness of others (mostly our parents who are so willing to help out with Chloe, especially my mom who keeps her 1-2 nights a week and those angels who come and attend to her and help entertain her when we've got to get just a few more minutes of shut-eye), we are making it. We are trying to figure out what's causing this sleep-deprived trend, though, so little miss got an EEG last week. It was easier for Oby to take off work than for me to that day, so he got the privilege of hanging out with her. I just love being with her in these situations. She inspires me SO much! She is so happy and brave.

This is one of my favorite things Chloe does. This is her trying with ALL her might to sit up/hold her head up. If I put forth half this much effort in half my life's endeavors, I still wouldn't be half the person Chloe is....

When Chloe was getting the EEG, the technician gave her this present from an anonymous friend. It is a sweet pillow case and touching poem. This touched my heart so much.

After two late nights in a row (Breaking Dawn girl's night and Rachel Yamagata concert with my sweetheart), I knew it was going to be rough to make it to the early morning Turkey Trot. Poor Chloe got up at 2 that morning, so she was EXTRA tired, poor thing!

I'd like to officially introduce you all to the TRUE faces behind ALL the playground fund raisers: Tiffany, Kresta and the rest of the Syracuse City Parks & Rec Dept. They are AMAZING! I am so lucky to know them, let alone call them friend. My heart is so full when I think of them, they constantly AMAZE me with their service and kindness! I could go on and on, but I'll just leave you with a pic of their sweet faces :)

Speaking of AMAZING, SUPPORTIVE, and all-around INCREDIBLE people, check out all these folks -- most of them complete strangers to me -- who came out on an early Saturday morning after a snow storm to come PAY to RUN in the cold, then stay and PAY some more money for stuff being sold at the silent auction. I tell ya what, I will NEVER be able to fully express the gratitude I have for the good hearts of others and how that has touched my life. THANK YOU, everyone!

If you look closely, you'll see Oby and I running in the picture above. We "trotted" 2k, then "waddled" for 3k. But hey, at least I did it this year! haha. That pic only shows about 1/3 of the people who actually came. Amazing, right? It was REALLY cold! :)

The playground has received numerous grants and donations that leave my jaw on the floor. We are being tremendously supported and plan to break ground next spring to complete the 1st of two phases (which is basically everything except for the restroom and splash pad). To see a dream come to fruition like this leaves me incredibly humble. To raise money for the 2nd phase, we have other fantastic things coming up, including a Harley giveaway (you read that right) and a Mindy Gledhill benefit concert! So many fun things to come! And ALL because of the kindness of others.

Turkey Trot!

The Turkey Trot is just around the corner!
It is a professionally timed 5k the Saturday before Thanksgiving!
Registration is $25 and includes a free t-shirt!
Pre-registration is available online here.
Come support us if you can!

On the Radio

KSL Newsradio, a Utah station, highlighted kidz on their show and website today. Check it out here!





I'm so proud of my little blog, it means so much to me!

Little Bits of Good

There are a few things I don't like about this video. Mainly my fatness and inability to NOT cry when talking about Chloe and/or her playground. Oh my gosh, I just HATE the part where I say, "Special needs children are awesome. {annoying sob}." Ugh. "Ya know?" UGH! ;O)

But my insecurities aside, it is definitely well done (Thank you, Thurgood Productions).

I also wish that more features of the playground were highlighted, especially all the sensory features and interactive play stations, the very cool climbing net (that happens to look like a beehive) and other climbing features, the teeter totter (that happens to look like a dragon fly) with a high-back seat, the extremely cool slides, the fact that each entry point has both a ramp and another entry option for able-bodied children (so the kids can play side-by-side), the shade structures, the arched/sunshine entry.... and let's not forget the Bigg-o swing (pretty much my favorite part)... Oh, I wish I could show all of you every single little detail! It is going to be wonderful!

But again, there are way more positives than negatives about the video. More than anything, I love all the support that is behind the scenes in the video.... You can't imagine how many hours and how many people went into making a 6-minute flick like this. It's humbling to know that people care and support my vision and I am forever grateful.

This is truly a never-ending project. Very seldom does a day go by that I don't get an email from someone with an idea or a donation or an offer to help.... And those daily reminders keep me going! We have enough to begin construction next spring and compelte the first phase, so we're continuing to pursue fund-raising with the final phase in mind. And I know we'll get there! The longer the project goes on, the more patience I get because truly this has been about the journey for me.... the relationships, the incredible people, just the sense of community and sincere compassion from the general public. There is SO much negative in the world, but there is even more good! I am in never-ending awe of the little bits of good that have touched my life because of this project.
Source

Team Chloe

The event was so great yesterday! It was an event for several charitable causes, and Chloe's Sunshine Playground was one of them. They had these signs for people to wear on their back if they were walking/running/riding for our cause. This was just so perfect -- SO Chloe!!!






Jodi was the coordinator of the event. She started doing "Ride the Brain Wave" event 5 years ago for her daughter who had a brain injury. She had so much support that she has wanted to "pay it forward" and help others' charitable causes as well as her daughter's each year. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger. She is amazing!



Three of the people Jodi has helped have passed away. Balloons were released in their memory.



Then the 5k began. It was such a spectacular event! There were competitive runners, walkers, and even people with brain injuries using walkers. Wow, it was just amazing. The route went on State Street in downtown Salt Lake, past the Salt Lake temple, then through Memory Grove and back. It was beautiful! I was so proud that my daughter was able to be a part of this. Chloe loved it too!!!

Right about the time that we got back from the 5k, a motorcycle rally began. Oby and my dad couldn't stop drooling over all the cool bikes and Chloe just loved the loud mufflers! It was so fun!




We saw this sign when we were walking around downtown, and I just thought it was fun. I solemnly swear to take the recess pledge.... do you?!?



As always, thank you to EVERYONE who coordinated and supported this event. It was amazing to see perfect strangers with Chloe signs pinned to their backs. It is so humbling to be a part of this project and to see the never-ending kindness of others. The world is filled with good people. It makes my heart happy and grateful.

A Reminder About Tomorrow's Event!

Just a reminder that the big event for Chloe's Sunshine Playground is tomorrow at the Gallivan Center!
Everyone is invited so spread the word!!!

Avoid lines and pre-register online at childrenandtheearth.com for the 5k/$10 or the motorcycle ride/$30.
We know everyone's schedules are busy and budgets are tight, so we sincerely appreciate your support!!!


There are many additional activities going on as well,
and everything lasts all day from 7 am to 7 pm. Come any time!

-kids fair (face painting, princess dress ups, Bouncy House, Gamin
Trailer etc.)

-Tow mater will be there!

-The General Lee from the Dukes of Hazard will be there!

-Some very popular Mascots will be there!

-Food vendors!

-Shopping vendors!

-A drawing that will go throughout the day consisting of AWESOME
prizes!!

-And so much more!!


Here is a play by play of how the day will go.......

7am- 5K Registration

8:45- Releasing of balloons in memory of those who have passed away.

9am-5K Begins

9am-Registration for the Motorcycle Ride/Rally

10am-Motorcycle Ride leaves the Gallivan Center

11am-6ish- Live Music/Bands
> Taken Root
> Markham Sound
> Owen Country
> Jason David and Rima Clark
> Matthew and the hope

1pm-The Motorcycle ride returns back to the Gallivan Center

Custom Bike Show all Day put on by Coonyz Customs

This is such a great event, bring the family down and have some fun!
There is something for everyone!!

5k & Motorcycle Rally Coming Up!

Children and the Earth, a local 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization, announced today that their 3rd annual 5K walk – run – stroll, motorcycle ride and custom motorcycle show fundraiser for “Brain Injury Children” and 29 other kids and families. The event will be held on August 6th, 2011 at the Gallivan Center, 239 South Main in downtown Salt Lake City.

One of the recipients of this fundraiser is Chloe's Sunshine Playground. If you participate in the 5k or motorcycle rally, you can select who you would like to sponsor. If you select Chloe's Sunshine Playground, 100% of your donation will go toward helping this cause!

>>>Go here to register<<<

The day includes all the events mentioned above along with a Special Kids Fair, live music all throughout the day, retail vendors, great food and drinks, and much, much more. The day begins with sign-up and registration for the 5-K and motorcycle rally at 7:00 am, with both starting promptly at 9:00 A.M. The Kids Fair, music and vendors are scheduled to open immediately after the start of the 5K. Everyone is invited to come and spend the day in downtown SLC having as much fun as you can find, while helping the many children with “Brain Injuries” and other worthy causes. Also, tons of prizes will be given away throughout the day. The cost is only $10.00 per adult with kids under 10 admitted free.

Please come support us if you can!!!

The "R" Word Hurts

This PSA aired only a few hours ago, and already it has undergone significant scrutiny. The criticisms I've heard/read include that the slurs used at the beginning are outdated and/or too offensive to even be used. However, I think that is exactly the point.... those words ARE offensive and that's WHY they became a thing of the past. That's exactly the message the special needs community is trying to send about the R-word. It is offensive. It is not acceptable. It HAS to become a thing of the past.



I've asked people I interact with to stop using it when when I've heard them say it (usually in reference to themselves). I try not to lecture or act offended. I try to express that I know they didn't mean to offend and I understand that it's unfortunately a common saying. Then I go on to explain that since I've become Chloe's mom, I've come to understand what a cutting word it is and when used in jest, it is not funny but highly degrading. People always seem supportive and understanding when I bring it up, which is why it shocks me how often I hear them use it afterward. Do they forget? Do they think I'm being oversensitive? Do they just not care? Since I can't answer those questions definitively, I politely remind them again. And I will remind them again and again and again.... as many times as I have to.

Please join me in spreading the word....

Chloe's Birthday Party: Four Years Go By in a *Flash*

I was going to try to keep Chloe's birthday party simple this year. Just a small family affair. I would have been fine if it had just been the three of us, I wanted it to be small.

Well, that was before I saw this idea on Elle Belle Creative: a birthday party theme of the years going by in a flash.... picture garlands, photo booth & photo props? How could I say no to that? It was just too gosh darn cute to resist! Enter pinterest with ideas galore and this was the result:

Sweet treats galore
Not pictured: many more treats from Chloe's grandmas
And six over-stuffed scrapbooks filled with pictures and pages of Chloe's four years

"Four Years Go By in a Flash"
I wish I had gotten better pictures of the picture garlands,
they were really quite adorable!

Chloe just loved all the attention
and looked stunning in her red party dress!

This cake by Jill of Sprinklebelle Cakes
was easily my favorite part of the entire party!
SO SO SO cute, dontcha think?

Overview from the stage

Photo booth free printable props from craftzee

Chloe with her Better Than Normal felt crown

First time meeting blog friend (now "real" friend!) Shannon & Dylan awwww, love them!

Ava had a quick crush on Oby - so cute!/pretty little Ella

Dad singing Happy Birthday/Cute Carter

Chloe meeting "Aunt Melissa"

Melissa is a friend I recently made through work Gosh, I love her!

Birthday girl with Izzy/The lovely Erin & her adorable family

Dad/Oby & Dallas

The Bennett Bunch & The Love Ladies

Nana & Papa

"Who farted?" Max & Grandma Judy

Our friends, the Drecksels

me with pal Amy

Max & Aunt Holly/Shannon & her cute little monkies

Uncle Matt with Jake & Sally

Aunt Sissy/Grandma & Grandpa Bennett

Chloe's birthday is actually tomorrow, so we will have another small celebration for that. I truly cannot believe Chloe is 4-years-old. Wow.... What a privilege motherhood has been!

Hmmmm.... what to do for the fifth year? I actually already have an idea and if I follow through on it, I really do need to get started on the planning and preparations!