The Empty Bench Project was founded by Angela Haase (Dawson's mom) and Farrah Butler (Belle's mom). Dawson and Belle are VHE Kindergartners who are unable to use our current playground equipment because it is not handicap accessible. They spend recess sitting on the bench watching other children play on the playground. This is a heartbreaking situation because they can't play with their peers, but it is also a huge missed opportunity for them because play is an important part of therapy for handicapped children.
Angela and Farrah saw an opportunity to build a new, inclusive playground that will serve all of the children of Virginia-Highland Elementary School. They have been working tirelessly to research playground options and design an amazing playground for our school and the greater community. The playground will be handicapped accessible, but it will also be an incredible playground for every other student at VHE.
They are excited to officially kick off the fundraising for Everybody's Playground at VHE! Their goal is to EMPTY THE BENCH! Let's get every kid playing on this playground by the end of 2024!