Plant-ing Seed Money at Fairytale Town

Shirley Plant honored as 2011 recipient of the "Make It Happen Award"

If there is one person who knows how to make something happen it is Shirley Plant. She is the 2011 recipient of the "Make It Happen Award" presented by the Melena and Enlow A. Ose Endowment for the Arts of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation.The annual award honors local volunteer leaders in the arts community who are dedicated to promoting the arts in the Sacramento Region. In May, Shirley received a $15,000 grant to be presented in her honor, for a charity of her choice. Shirley has selected Fairytale Town as the recipient of the grant.

Shirley's prestigious award is not the first time her work has visibly affected Fairytale Town. Though she has been involved with numerous Sacramento area cultural institutions, her history with Fairytale Town is an especially devoted one. Shirley has supported Fairytale Town for more than 30 years, from the time it was built and even on the anniversary of its 50th birthday. Her work for the park is both considerable and diverse, raising funds and strengthening the board of directors as well as writing and performing in numerous children's plays.

Upon receiving the award, Shirley stated: "The magnanimous Ose Endowment (Award) is just a dream come true, and brings all our hopes and plans over the years to full circle. (I) pledge to continue my love affair with Fairytale Town and my devotion to its mission."

Her latest project is the Yellow Brick Road outside of the front gates. The Yellow Brick Road was her brainchild and allowed thousands of individuals to commemorate special occasions, honor and memorialize loved ones and create more public awareness for the park. The funds raised by the project will be used to fund park improvements and programs.

Kathy Fleming, Executive Director of Fairytale Town, and the person who nominated Shirley for the award, said: "Shirley Plant has a 50-plus year history of supporting, leading and building arts organizations in Sacramento. She is a person who makes things happen, and in doing so makes things better."

 For more information about Fairytale Town visit www.fairytaletown.org