Tuesday event benefits CDC
SALLY ANN SHURMUR Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Monday, July 16, 2007 12:00 am
The Child Development Center of Natrona County helps growing kids ages birth to 5 with a variety of developmental strategies and therapies.
Chris Hepp and his Galles Greenhouse staff grow beautiful plants and flowers and place them in a variety of urns, bowls and other containers.
On Tuesday, Hepp's flowers will benefit CDC's kids in the third annual Galles Greenhouse Auction from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are not necessary to the free event, which includes light refreshments from Poplar Wine & Spirits and Grant Street Grocery.
Live and silent auctions of greenhouse merchandise will give patrons the opportunity to purchase items ranging from a $20 color bowl of blooms to a $500 "high end" solid concrete terra cotta urn.
"We're trying to get a more social event this year, so there will be a little bit less available in the live auction," Hepp said.
As for pricing, Hepp said shoppers can expect slightly below market value for minimum bids in the silent auction.
There are lots of sets of three and pairs of containers, as well as single items.
Non-gardeners are as welcome as proud gardeners.
"Flower pots are always going to decorate your house," Hepp said with a smile.
He donates the labor of planning and executing the event, as well as the food and wine. After his cost of the inventory, all money raised Tuesday goes to the Child Development Center.
"The neat thing about this event is Chris does all of the work," CDC executive director John Starnes said. "He organizes the food and really does everything to make it happen."
Last year, the event raised $6,000 for the CDC.
Hepp said items for sale will include house plants, shade stuff and sun stuff. Every container will be already planted.
Large items will be delivered to buyers at no extra charge.
Hepp said the event is "win-win" for his business, which needs to get rid of its seasonal inventory, and the CDC.
"After June, it doesn't pay to keep a greenhouse open," he said. "This way, we're able to do something with all of these plants."
CDC provides early intervention services for all children with special needs who reside within Natrona County and a preschool program for children 3 to 5-year-olds. The campus is in the midst of a major expansion to its classrooms and office space.
Refreshments at the event will be served at 5:30 p.m., and the live auction starts at 6:30 p.m.
The greenhouse is located at the extreme south end of South McKinley Street, 3225 S. McKinley, just north of Wyoming Boulevard.
From the city, take McKinley or Allendale Blvd., all the way out. From Wyoming Boulevard, turn north on McKinley at Sunrise Baptist Church.
Community News editor Sally Ann Shurmur can be reached at (307) 266-0520; sallyann.shurmur@casperstartribune.net or read her online at www.casperstartribune.net/dishin