15 Jan Sun Valley Landscaping’s Commitment to Community in 2023
At Sun Valley Landscaping, we like to think of ourselves as more than just landscapers, but dedicated caretakers of our beloved Omaha community. We believe small actions can have a profound impact on our world.
As our company grows year by year, so does our commitment to enriching the heart of Omaha. Join us in celebrating our 2023 community projects—a reflection of our deep-rooted love and unwavering dedication to our amazing city!
Sun Valley Landscaping’s History of Community
The spirit of community service at Sun Valley Landscaping took root in our earliest days, sparked by the compassion of our then-19-year-old CEO, Paul Fraynd. His regular visits to women’s shelters with his mother, bringing meals and fellowship, were more than acts of kindness. They were the beginnings of a deeper mission. It was there, amidst the shelters’ overlooked gardens, that Paul saw the untapped potential of landscaping to uplift spirits and transform lives.
Moved by this realization, Paul embarked on his first project: turning a desolate plot of dirt into a blooming sanctuary. He carefully selected perennials, daylilies, and roses to craft a haven for the shelter’s residents – a serene garden where mothers and children could find peace and a sense of belonging. This garden was more than a beautification project; it was a symbol of hope and renewal, showcasing the profound impact of thoughtful landscaping.
Our journey in community service has continually grown and evolved. A standout moment in this journey was the launch of our “Commit20 Campaign” to celebrate two decades of Sun Valley Landscaping. This initiative was a reflection of our belief in putting people first and creating lasting, positive change. We challenged not just our team but also our clients and the wider Omaha community to dedicate 20 hours of community service to causes that resonated with them personally. The response was truly inspiring, and together we dedicated an astounding 30,000 hours to making a profound and positive impact on our community!
Over the years, these seeds of community involvement have blossomed. Our Sun Valley Landscaping team has seized every opportunity to enrich and fortify the Omaha community, demonstrating time and again that our commitment to this city goes far beyond landscaping.
Memorial Park: Honoring the Past and Cultivating the Future
In the heart of Dundee, Memorial Park stands as a living testament to the sacrifices of our veterans and a source of unity for generations of families. In 2023, marking its 75th anniversary, our Sun Valley Landscaping team had the privilege of contributing to its ongoing legacy.
Our journey with Memorial Park began when we partnered with the Omaha Parks Foundation to design and install the landscape in front of the plaza, paying homage to its deep-rooted history. Our team dedicated over 150 hours of labor and $1,000 worth of materials to the park in the summer of 2023. Despite challenges, our commitment to preserving Memorial Park’s essence guided us through.
Collaboration was key to our success. The City of Omaha Parks Department provided flowers and irrigation, grown at Hanscom Park Greenhouse, and Mulhall’s Nursery contributed yews that now grace the plaza’s landscape.
Together, our team and the community, ensured Memorial Park’s legacy continues to flourish, serving as a cherished space for reflection and unity.
Gross Catholic High School: Cultivating Beauty and Education
Gross Catholic High School, known for its rich heritage of academic excellence since 1968, boasts beautiful gardens that many in our community visit. Notably, Hugh Morton, our partner and landscape designer at Sun Valley Landscaping, is closely connected to this project through his stepfather, Rich. For the past 30 years, Rich has dedicated himself to maintaining these gardens, a legacy that Hugh and our team now proudly support and continue for the community’s enjoyment.
The Geo Garden at Gross Catholic High School, features over 70,000 plants, a charming gazebo, and inviting benches. Locals frequent this serene spot to admire daffodils, crocus, tulips, and snowdrops. This garden not only adds beauty to our community but also serves as an educational resource, inspiring young minds to explore the world of landscaping.
Siena Francis House: Growing Hope at Community Gardens
Siena Francis House is a beacon of hope for the homeless, providing shelter and support on their journey to housing. In our commitment to support this vital institution, we initiated a community garden project. We tilled the soil and prepared for their inaugural crop, fostering a sense of pride among the residents who actively participated in growing their own food and seeing it flourish.
Our team passionately believes in empowering individuals to grow their food and connect with nature. To further enhance this effort, we connected Siena Francis House with two organizations: No Empty Pots, which educates people on utilizing fresh food, and Big Muddy Urban Farm, a group that helps establish community gardens. This initiative not only provides fresh produce but also encourages individuals to experience the joy of gardening, an opportunity some may not have had before.
This project at Siena Francis House is a perfect example of how community involvement starts with individual actions, showing that every effort counts in building a stronger, more connected collective!
Greencare and Snowcare for Troops Initiative
In a heartfelt gesture to support the families of military service members stationed overseas, the GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops initiatives bridge a compassionate connection. This program partners families with landscape contractors in their community who voluntarily offer free lawn and landscape services for an entire year.
Managing a lawn or dealing with snow might not appear critical, but these tasks are more than mere chores. They can be daunting for families juggling numerous responsibilities, especially in the absence of their loved ones. Our Sun Valley Landscaping team has proudly extended this service to up to 10 military families, offering either lawn care maintenance or snow removal services.
Witnessing the relief and joy this brings to these families is incredibly rewarding. Our ultimate aim? To ensure that these families can relish their outdoor spaces just as much as we do, without the added stress of maintenance.
Fundraising Partnerships and Silent Auctions
While we love getting our hands on community projects, some of our contributions take a slightly different form – financial support and participation in silent auctions. One notable recipient of our commitment is The Duchesne High School, a Catholic, college-preparatory school for girls founded in 1881. We take pride in consistently contributing nearly $5,000 worth of landscaping services to their fundraisers each year.
In addition to our involvement with Duchesne High School, our presence is felt in almost 30 silent auctions annually, spanning various fundraisers, from church events to non-profit initiatives. Our sought-after mulch certificates are part of our larger pledge to donate $15,000-$20,000 each year to enrich our community and its spaces.
Building Stronger Communities Together!
In 2024, we invite you to be a part of this community-focused movement. It’s remarkable what we can accomplish when we come together in our local areas. By strengthening connections within your community and being active in neighborhood initiatives, you’re not just living in the community; you’re actively enriching it.
This year, let’s all seek ways to contribute positively to our surroundings. Whether it’s organizing a local event, helping out a neighbor, or any other community-focused activity, every act of cooperation and kindness takes us one step closer to a more connected and thriving collective. Remember, the most profound changes often begin with a simple action.