A small garden, a wonderful community, and the opportunity to give back to causes that matter.

What started with a love of daylilies has grown into something I never could have imagined. Along the way, Dooley Gardens has become about much more than flowers. It’s about the people we’ve met, the friendships we’ve made, and the opportunity to support causes that mean something to us. And this year, thanks in part to the wonderful community surrounding our garden, we have something special to celebrate.

Over $5,000 Raised so far to Support Meaningful Causes in 2026

Four causes. One small garden. A community I’m incredibly grateful for.

This is the total charitable giving we’ve accomplished so far in 2026. Every contribution represents an opportunity to support work that matters, from cancer research and, Parkinson’s research, to opportunities for young people right here in our community. Thank you to everyone who has supported Dooley Gardens along the way.

Why Giving Back Matters to Me

Gardening has brought a great deal of happiness into my life, but it’s also helped me through some very difficult times. Having experienced cancer firsthand, I know how much a diagnosis can change someone’s world. I also know how important it is to have something positive to focus on, something to look forward to, and people who care.

For me, the garden has been all of those things. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting wonderful people through daylilies. Some visit the garden every summer. Others live hundreds of miles away and share the same enthusiasm for an unusual flower or a promising new seedling.

Through Dooley Gardens, I have the opportunity to support organizations and community efforts doing important work. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to contribute this year, and I’m especially thankful for the people who continue to make this little garden have an impact.

Growing More Than Flowers

Behind each of the causes we support is something that matters deeply: the hope for better cancer treatments, the pursuit of a cure for Parkinson’s disease, the chance for children facing cancer to have brighter futures, and opportunities for young people in our community to learn, grow, and thrive through sports.

These are different causes, but they share something important. Each is working to improve lives, support families, or create opportunities for others. We’re proud to play a small part in supporting that work, and grateful to everyone who helps make it possible.

Cancer Research Institute

Supporting Progress in Cancer Research, this one is especially close to my heart.

As someone who has experienced cancer, I understand how much hope is tied to medical research. Every new discovery and advancement offers the possibility of better treatment options for people facing a diagnosis.

The Cancer Research Institute supports research focused on cancer immunotherapy, helping scientists explore ways to use the immune system to fight cancer.

Supporting this work means a great deal to me personally, and I’m proud that cancer research represents such an important part of our giving this year.

Learn About the Cancer Research Institute >>

Cancer Research Institute

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Supporting Children and Families Facing Cancer, No child should have to face cancer.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation works to advance childhood cancer research while also providing support to families navigating incredibly difficult circumstances.

The organization began with one young girl’s determination to help other children, and that story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to be big to do something meaningful.

Learn About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation >>

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

Supporting Research and Better Treatments, Parkinson’s disease affects not only those living with it, but also the families and friends who love them.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to advancing research toward improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

We’re glad to have contributed to an organization pursuing answers to a disease that has touched so many lives.

Learn About the Michael J. Fox Foundation >>

Michael J. Fox Foundation

Local Youth Sports

Supporting Young People in Our Community, sometimes giving back means supporting something close to home.

Youth sports offer kids opportunities to be active, make friends, develop confidence, and learn what it means to be part of a team.

We’re happy to have contributed toward local youth sports this year.

Strong communities are built in many different ways, and supporting opportunities for young people is one we’re glad to be part of.

To Everyone Who Supports Dooley Gardens, Thank You

One of the most rewarding parts of running Dooley Gardens has been getting to know the people who support it. Whether you’ve purchased a daylily, visited during our Open Garden Days, shared one of my photographs, told a friend about us, or simply followed along as the garden grows, I appreciate it more than you probably realize.

Running a small garden business takes a lot of work, and your encouragement and support help make it possible to keep doing something I love. They also help sustain a business that has the opportunity to give back. That’s something I don’t take for granted. So, from me to all of you, thank you for being part of it.

Looking Ahead

There’s always something new happening at Dooley Gardens. New seedlings to evaluate, new plants to share, new photographs to capture, and new people to meet. As the garden continues to grow, I hope there will be more opportunities to support causes that matter to our family and community. For now, I’m grateful for what 2026 has made possible, and for everyone who has been part of the journey.