The Miss Dorothy's Garden Legacy Project Is A Public, Private, Faith Initiative
In a world facing unprecedented mental health and social challenges, The Miss Dorothy’s Garden Legacy Project offers more than just a children’s book—it plants seeds of compassion, emotional intelligence, and community transformation. What began as a tribute to Dorothy Witherspoon’s century of selfless service has blossomed into a movement for change. At the heart of that movement is a powerful strategy: unite the public, private, and faith sectors to grow a kinder, more resilient world.
Why a Public, Private, Faith Initiative?
Dorothy Witherspoon's life was marked by service across all three sectors. She worked as a psychiatric emergency room nurse for nearly 40 years at San Francisco General Hospital in the public sector. She not volunteered for countless others, but she also gave freely of her time and money as a private citizen. As a servant, leader, and teacher in her church, she accepted the call to care. Her story reminds us that community transformation happens when institutions, individuals, and faith groups come together for the common good.
The Miss Dorothy’s Garden Legacy Project builds on that truth by intentionally involving public agencies, private enterprises, and faith-based organizations and individuals. Here’s how each one plays a vital role:
Public Sector Partners
Libraries, public schools, and local governments provide foundational access to children and families. They offer platforms for community programming, host immersive Garden Parties, and help us extend our reach. By partnering with public institutions, we ensure that the BEE Attitudes—principles of kindness, peace, bravery, and generosity—reach children and families in every community.
Private Sector Partners
Businesses and corporations, large and small, are key to funding and scaling our impact. Through sponsorships, in-kind donations, and employee volunteerism, private sector partners invest in the future by supporting children's literacy, creativity, and emotional development. They also gain meaningful brand alignment with community uplift and social change.
Faith Communities
Churches and other faith-based organizations are trusted community hubs that embody the very values this initiative promotes. By participating in book distributions, sponsoring BEE Buddy Boxes, and hosting Miss Dorothy's Garden Parties, they serve not only their members but also extend healing, hope, and hospitality to surrounding neighborhoods.
The Power of Collective Giving
Every child who receives a copy of Miss Dorothy’s Garden: 9 BEE Attitudes to Grow By or attends a Garden Party is being equipped with the tools to manage emotions, nurture relationships, and serve others. Every BEE Buddy Box distributed—thanks to sponsors at every level—plants a tangible seed of change.
This initiative is more than a program. It is a call to collective action. From government entities to grassroots movements, everyone has a part to play in building a brighter, kinder, flourishing future.
How You Can Get Involved
🌺 Are you a public official or school leader? Invite us to your campus to host a Garden Party or MyStoryBook Workshop.
🌻 Are you a business owner or corporate leader? Sponsor books, boxes, or entire school programs in your name.
🌹 Are you a member of a church or faith-based group? Become a BEE Buddy Friend or Champion and help us spread kindness in your neighborhood and around the world.
Together, we can honor Dorothy Witherspoon’s legacy not just with words, but with action. And together, we can raise a generation of children who grow up to lead with kindness.
