Date: 04.03.2025 | Time: 11:00 AM

City Garden Montessori’s Sunlight & Soil event was more than a gathering—it was a powerful reminder of what happens when a community invests in education with intention and care. Surrounded by inspiring voices, shared stories, and a hands-on seed-planting experience, we celebrated the deep roots of our mission and the bright future ahead.
‍
"City Garden is not just a building. It is not the walls, the floors, or even the beautiful Montessori classrooms we carefully prepare. City Garden is its people," said Christie Huck, City Garden’s CEO & Executive Director. "It is a community of kind, caring, generous individuals, each dedicated to something much bigger than themselves, ensuring an excellent and equitable education for children in St. Louis."

Planting for the Future

‍A special moment was the seed-planting activity, where each guest placed a seed into the soil, symbolizing the long-term impact of investing in education. The seeds—donated by Neon Greens—were a mix of herbs and spices, reminding us that philanthropy, like gardening, nourishes not only those who plant but also those who benefit from the harvest.
‍
"Each time we love, nurture, and teach a child, we plant a seed," Christie shared. "A seed does not sprout overnight. The strongest trees—the ones with the deepest roots, the ones that stand tall through storms—take time. And this is precisely what you do when investing in City Garden."
‍
Guests were encouraged to take their planted seeds home and place them somewhere visible—on a kitchen windowsill, a desk, or near their front door—so they could witness firsthand the growth that mirrors the transformation happening at City Garden.

‍

A Living Testament to City Garden’s Impact

‍One of the most moving parts of the night was hearing from Denean Vaughn, a proud City Garden parent, and her son, Sean Michael Farrington, a 2024 graduate. Denean reflected on the moment she knew City Garden was the right place for her son: "I needed my child to be in this school," she shared. "Because here, I knew Sean Michael would be firmly planted in soil that would nourish him, support him, and grow him into a young man grounded in the most important things in life—learning, exploration, discovery, and understanding."
‍
Now thriving in high school at MICDS, Sean Michael shared how City Garden shaped his curiosity and confidence: "Over my nine years at City Garden, my teachers planted seeds, and at the right time, they sprouted. I haven’t stopped growing. I’m just getting started."
‍
Join the Canopy Society: Help Us Grow Stronger

‍The evening ended with a call to action that invites us all to continue planting seeds of opportunity.
"The best way to ensure City Garden remains strong for generations to come is by joining the Canopy Society," Christie urged. "A monthly gift provides stability for our students, ensuring that we are ready when opportunities arise or challenges come. Because education is planting; it is an act of faith. It is the ultimate expression of hope."
‍
Becoming a Canopy Society member means investing in children like Sean Michael, ensuring every student has the sunlight and soil they need to thrive.
‍
Join the Canopy Society today. Because strong roots create lasting change.
‍Click HERE to Join the Canopy Society.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, planted seeds, and committed to growing this movement. Together, we are redefining education, reimagining community, and reinvigorating our world.