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Monte Enright, president of Armstrong Garden Centers, and
Chris Burns, executive director of Boys Republic.
Armstrong Garden Centers and Pike Nurseries, comprising the nations’ largest independent garden retail chain, are no strangers to Boys Republic in Chino Hills, Calif.. In fact, they have supported the Boys Republic Golf Program for the past 11 years.
This year their efforts expanded with their support of the “Friends of Steve McQueen Car Show” benefiting Boys Republic, as well as landscaping the new Boys Republic patio, island BBQ and fountain project next to the Steve McQueen Recreation Center. The late actor McQueen lived at the Boys Republic and was active in his support of the organization until his death.
So, you're wondering, what's the gardening hook here? Monte Enright, president of Armstrong Garden Centers, recently toured the grounds with Chris Burns, executive director of Boys Republic, and noticed their pumpkin patch. The boys grow, harvest and sell pumpkins at the local Chino Hills Farmers Market. Discussions about growing more pumpkins ensued, and as a result Boys Republic is in the pumpkin business in a big way.
Boys Republic boxes of assorted, unique pumpkins are featured now and are for sale at all 31 Armstrong locations in California. This has been a great new work experience project for the boys, and they were really excited to learn that their pumpkins would be on sale at the largest independent garden center in the country.
The ramifications are plenty. Obviously, Armstrong Garden Center customers get to enjoy the holiday pumpkins. And Armstrong promotes plenty of goodwill in the community. Meanwhile, Boys Republic, which has helped mentor more than 28,000 at-risk children since its’ founding in 1907, gets some needed financial assistance to fund programs that continue the process.
It's win/win/win. Or, if you prefer, "Cha-ching!/Cha-ching!/Cha-ching!"
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