Boys Town Washington

Planting the Seeds of Hope

As part of Earth Day celebrations, Boys Town Washington, D.C., showed its green thumb by hosting, “Planting the Seeds of Hope,” with The Ritz-Carlton and Premier Plantscapes.

The gardening event brought together Boys Town Washington, D.C., staff, the youth and families they serve, and the staff of The Ritz-Carlton’s Washington, D.C., hotel. Simmon Cooper, The Ritz-Carlton's President and CEO, was also on site to tour the facility and help the youth plant the garden.

Several guests of The Ritz-Carlton were also able to participate through the hotel’s "Getaway Give Away" program where guests can sign up for community service projects.

"I enjoyed the day because we all got to work together, and it was exciting to meet the staff and guests from The Ritz-Carlton," said Dennis, 17, who has been a Boys Town youth for six months.

The day was full of fresh starts as the group planted a vegetable garden, bushes and trees. Through hard work by youth, staff and volunteers, the four homes on the property were given a yard makeover with plants donated by the Washington Area Sewer Authority.

"The event was rewarding and fun,” said Adriaan Radder, Ritz-Carlton Vice President and Area General Manager of Washington, D.C. “I would not have missed it for the world and I was very impressed with the facilities at Boys Town, as well as the genuine care of the children."