PONTIAC SCHOOL GARDEN DEDICATION HONORS MEMORY OF INSPIRATIONAL 9-YEAR-OLD

Thursday, May 17, a new garden on the campus of the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac (ATAP) charter school was dedicated to the memory of Adalin “Adie” Farnum of Lansing. Adie passed away in October 2011 at the age of nine, following a battle with cancer.

“Adie’s Garden” features a large stone bearing the engraving: “Keep practicing random acts of kindness until Adie tells you to stop.”

According to her parents, James and Tammy Farnum, one of Adie’s final wishes was for her family and friends to commit random acts of kindness “until I say stop.” The stone is a reminder of that wish.          

Labor and funding for garden materials were donated by Wells Fargo Advisors employees from across Metro Detroit, including from offices in Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Clinton Township, Farmington Hills, Grosse Pointe Woods, Northville and Troy. Michael Anderson, a financial advisor in the company’s Northville office is Adie’s uncle and his colleagues were touched by the family’s story. English Gardens also donated supplies.

The garden dedication ceremony was followed by a luncheon for ATAP students sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors. Wells Fargo Advisors funds a monthly mobile food pantry at the school in partnership with Gleaners Community Food Bank.

“The garden will be a place for our students and their families to gain some serenity and also some perspective,” said ATAP Chief Administrative Officer Septembra Williams. “Adie’s final wish for us all to commit random acts of kindness is a valuable guiding principle for our school and our community.”

Source: ATAP