Volunteer group, donations make meditation garden possible Published Sept. 1, 2010 By Christin Michaud AFMAO Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The Delaware Federation of Garden Clubs has offered to sponsor a memorial garden as part of the ongoing project to create a haven for families of the fallen. In January, the Center for Families of the Fallen was established to allow a comfortable place for families to gather and grieve before witnessing the dignified transfer of a loved one. Later that spring, the Fisher House Foundation dedicated a Fisher House here to house the families of the fallen while at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Construction for the Fisher House began in May and includes a mediation pavilion that will serve as a retreat for families. The new facilities are being built adjacent to the Center of the Families of the Fallen to create a central location for family members. The tranquil sanctuary will include water features with soothing sounds trickling mixed with other sounds of nature immersed in plants, according to Robin Raine, Families of the Fallen support branch chief. The natural setting, including seasonal plants, will invite birds and other wildlife. "(Families) will be immersed in signs of life at such a difficult time," she said. The Air Force has accepted the support of the Delaware Federation of Garden Clubs to make the compound a serene retreat for families during this difficult period. The Delaware Federation of Garden Clubs was founded in 1958 and is comprised of 28 different clubs throughout the state. It is a volunteer organization of close to 800 women, men and youth, who share a common interest in gardening, floral design, civic beautification and conservation of natural resources. The federation is involved in various civic development and service projects including garden therapy for the handicapped, historic preservation and habitat for humanity as well as other community and environmental projects. "Our president, Alice Witterholt, pursued an idea to plant a memorial garden at Dover Air Force Base," said Regina Brown, President-Elect for DFGC. DFGC then consulted with the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center and arranged an opportunity to install a garden in front of the Center for the Families of the Fallen. The garden club solicited a conceptual design from Rodney Robinson, a well-known landscape architect from Wilmington, Del., Mrs. Brown explained. The design was submitted, accepted and approved. To help bring the memorial garden to fruition, the DFGC is scheduled to begin a fundraising campaign to cover the cost. "We would welcome any help to provide this memorial garden for the CFF as a special gift of enduring significance to the nation and to the Families of the Fallen," said Mrs. Brown. Although they haven't formally kicked off their fundraising campaign, they have already collected several donations from members and friends, as well as garden clubs in other states who wish to help with the project. "We are very proud to announce that we have collected almost $20,000," she said. "Additionally, we are a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible." There are plans to create a dedicated Web site for donations, but in the meantime, anyone wishing to make a donation, may do so to: Memorial Garden for the Fallen, P.O. Box 17, Greenwood, DE, 19950.