Statements

Mission

The primary mission shall be charitable support of underprivileged or disabled children and support of projects that directly benefit the same.

Background

Rachel West is the daughter of a retired Fire Captain Ricky West and a life-long resident of Goodlettsville. Rachel has been in a wheel chair her entire life. Her testimony made us sure that there is a need for additional park amenities that allowed all children of all ability levels to safely and joyously play together. Her story helped the GFD Kids Christmas fund decide that this project would be a benefit to the City and the dream of Rachel's Garden was born.

Impact

1) Filed for and received 501c3 status for our Fire Department charities.2) 2018 - Raised $20,000.00 throughout 2018 with BBQ Sales and Annual 5K race plus private contributions for Kid's Christmas.3) Raised and deposited $20,000.00 into the Rachel's Garden Fund to begin the fund raising goal of that project.4) Held Lunch and Learn about Rachel's Garden and to build interest and enthusiasm throughout community

Needs

1) Funding for the entire project cost estimated to be 500,000.00.2) Project branding - getting the word out (site recognition for logo) pertaining to the project and it's validity as a grass-roots and hometown project. 3) Volunteers needed later in project for actual fund-raising events.

CEO Statement

Thirty-two year old charity group that supports both a Kid's Christmas each year for local children and is also creating a new all-inclusive playground. This playground will be an important and needed addition to the area. This is the first in the City of Goodlettsville of this kind and only the second 'all inclusive playground' in Nashville, Davidson County to our knowledge.

Board Chair Statement

This is a Goodlettsville Fire Department charity that has since 1986 supported the local children here that otherwise would not have a Christmas. It buys clothes, shoes and gifts for each child who attends. Rachel's Garden is a second layer to that foundation. As the Fire Chief, working alongside the now retired Captain West, I came to know his daughter Rachel. Rachel was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at birth. Rachel, now 21, has faced numerous battles throughout her young life but she plunges head on without hesitation into most. She has always been confined to a wheel chair. Her family was always active in Fire Department Community events as she grew up. With most of those held at our city parks and no 'all- inclusive areas', Rachel's involvement had its limits. She now has two nieces that she wishes to play with in our city parks. We want to see that come true for her and so many others.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Youth Development  - Fund Raising & Fund Distribution
Secondary Category:	Human Services  - Children's and Youth Services
Tertiary Category:	-

Areas Served

Goodlettsville 37072 along with Davidson and Sumner County residents

TN - Davidson

TN - Sumner