Sunflowers for Wishes

Sunday, July 25, 2010 |
It all began with a few seeds and a family with a big heart ...

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That were planted and grew into these grand bouquets.Which attract people from miles around to come and support such a beautiful and worthwhile cause.

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Each year for one week in July Buttonwood Farms host their Sunflowers for Wishes. The money raised is donated to Make*A*Wish.

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{Nicholas carrying a few of the bouquets I bought}
 The bright and vibrate sunflowers are sold for $5. a bouquet and 100% of the profit is donated to the Connecticut Foundation.

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Not only do they grow amazing flowers, they also make tasty homemade ice cream! Just in case you're wondering, yes they do make sunflower ice cream.

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It's SO good in fact that people are willing to wait in line for a scoop or two on a 90 degree Saturday just before torrential rain hit.

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{Kevin's ice cream that he wouldn't share}
White chocolate and brownie batter in a homemade waffle cone ~ my idea of a well rounded healthy lunch!

I couldn't get a photo before the ice cream began to melt. Heat and humidity don't play well with frozen treats.

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They began with planting one acre of sunflowers for enjoyment which has quickly grown in size as the demand to support a worthy cause has become popular.

This year they planted 14 acres and expect to sell out before the event comes to a close. I call that a total success for all involved!


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The scenery is the perfect painter's palate.

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The money raised will help make it possible for Connecticut children with life threatening and terminal illnesses to have a wish of their very own come true.

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Sitting pretty in my home, I know that I've helped a little to bring a  smile to a families face that is going through a very hard time.
I hope their son's or daughter's wishes come true and they are able to hold these memories in their hearts for years to come.

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Leave A Comment

21 comments:

Suburban Princess said...

What a great event!! I wish more places around here did this sort of thing!

Henley on the Horn said...

How amazing! I love events like this. Your ice cream looked FABULOUS!!!! Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures!

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Jo,

What a fabulous event and going to such a great cause.
The sunflowers are so bright and what a beautiful show.
The icecream looks really yummy too!

Happy week
Hugs
Carolyn

Kathy said...

How beautiful! We might have tulips but you have these gorgeous sunflowers! And what a wonderful excuse to decorate your home with fresh flowers.

By the way, the little pups are so sweet! Have you made a decision? And yes, I do in fact know one of THOSE people. And am still happy to call her "friend." :)

Have a great week!

René said...

This is such a great cause. It must have been a treat to see all of those sunflowers. And as for ice cream, it is definitely a well balanced lunch ;)

-Rene

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Such happy faces on those sunflowers and a wonderful cause!
That icecream cone almost sent me into orbit.
6th week of weight Watchers and could have polished that off in record time!!!!!
Ha!
Thanks for peeking in,
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

A New England Girl said...

Oh my goodness - what a wonderful, uplifting event. I love when people come together to support such causes. Thank you for sharing your experience and your gorgeous photos. I love the view of the stone wall and the field of flowers behind. Oh, how I love New England....

JMW said...

Great idea! Sunflowers are so beautiful and dress up any home, for summertime parties or just as a centerpiece to make you smile. And add the philanthropic cause and it makes for a perfect combo!

I Love Pretty Little Things said...

What an Amazing fund raiser and for such a great cause! The sunflower fields are Beautiful. What a wonderful afternoon. And, YUM the ice cream!

And, those pups, even more delicious!

theUngourmet said...

Make a Wish is such a wonderful charity. You cant' help but feel happy around this many sunflowers! Your photos are beautiful. I've never tried sunflower ice cream, it looks delicious!

P.S. I have been using my tomatoes in everything from eggs to salads to sandwiches. ;)

Maman de trois petit rois said...

Jo, thanks for the sweet comment, I have just spent some time getting to know you via your lovely blog!

Kacey said...

Jo, your photos are amazing. What a cheerful idea for a fundraiser. I whole field of sunflowers? Just looking at your pictures of them make me happy.(and that ice cream waffle cone looks delicious too!)

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Sunflowers just exude happiness, non? I love what joy they bring to any space they occupy. And the image of the lady painting plein air is fantastic!

rebekka said...

I've just been thinking about how much I need some flowers in my apartment...those sunflowers are a lovely inspiration!

P.S. I LOVE the name of your blog!!!

xx
Rebekka

Suburban Princess said...

Try the haggis some time! If you think about what's in a sausage - haggis is pretty much the same but with less garbage in it!

French Basketeer.com said...

Fantastic photos, Jo, and a lovely event. Everyone wins. That ice cream looks amazing! No wonder there is a line!

Unknown said...

This is such a beautiful and heart felt event. I'll put it on my calendar for next year ---- I love the thought of seeing all those sunflowers. xo Elizabeth

kay said...

I love this post! I love what this farm does every year, that is truly amazing and so nice. A dear friend of mine has a sick daughter who's wish was just granted by Make a wish. I starting tearing up just reading this post. There really are such amazing and kind people in this world who do make a difference. And the fact that they serve ice cream, that's just the best to me!

Lorri said...

Oh what I would give for that ice cream!

eastcoastsurfermom said...

All of the Buttonwoods photos are fabulous! Amazing! I've been trying to get there for three years now!

Lisa Porter said...

I completely missed this post! Oh this is the best idea for raising awareness and money. A beautiful farm and a very fun day too. Inspirational beyond words.
xo Lisa

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