This is the "Festival Story" of our Playhouse Plaza Chair, Jennifer John. Jennifer and her family turned tragedy into a family tradition that has benefited needy children at Primary Children's and thousands of playhouse fans at Festival of Trees for quite a few years now.
Jennifer's story...
"16 years ago we had a stillborn daughter and shortly after her passing decided to decorate and donate a tree to the Festival of Trees in remembrance of her.
The next year we decided, as a family, to make it a tradition to donate to Festival of Trees. After five years of donating a tree we decided to build a playhouse. My Dad was a school teacher and built homes in the summer so he was the man with the skills and I was the one with the ideas! Our first playhouse was pretty simple but we raised $10,000 for the hospital.
Jennifer and her Dad, John Sparks in 2017 |
I've had a lot of fun working with my Dad building playhouses and trying to learn some of his skills. He is 83 and still able to sink a nail in two swings! Many of you may remember the Black Pearl a few years ago. That was one of many creations built by "Grandpa Sparks".
Jennifer and her children aboard "The Black Pearl" |
This year we will be making two playhouses (a She-Shed and a Man Cave) for the Festival, bringing our playhouse donations to 12 playhouses.
I love "hosting" in Playhouse Plaza during the week of Festival and watching the expressions on, not only children, but adult's faces too as they walk by our playhouses. I once heard a mom tell her kids..."I wish we had a 'Grandpa Sparks!'" I love the joy that I see in others because of the festive Christmas vibe that seems ever present at Festival of Trees. I have witnessed many miracles in the lives of those who donate, those who buy these precious donations and those who volunteer (many behind the scenes and unnoticed).
I remember as a young girl coming to the Festival of Trees when it was downtown at the Salt Palace. For me, Festival is a Utah Tradition. I love what it represents...hope, healing, giving, sacrifice and love. After all, isn't that what the first Christmas was all about?"
You can watch a fun news clips about Jennifer and her Father HERE. You can watch another clip with Budah & Jennifer in the Playhouses HERE.
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