Thank you for all your support and emails and letters. Here are few that we would like to share. Oh, Kim, I am so sorry to her this! If there's anything I can do, please let me know. We have enjoyed our times there immensely--it has been a great ministry to me as a SAHM, and has kept me from reaching my breaking point w/ the kids a few times :) I look forward to hearing how God will provide a new location, and will be praying for that for you! Becky Kee _________________________________________________________ Quote from Larissa Costello, President, Chesapeake Moms Club _________________________________________________________ Island Secret Garden has been an oasis for the preschool crowd on Kent Island, and Kim Donnelly has worked tirelessly to transform it into a safe, interactive, sensory-stimulating environment that's enriched the lives of our children." Kathy – MOP’s It breaks my heart, on many levels, to tell everyone that we have lost ISG as our Girl Scout home and as a community play area. Kim was informed yesterday that due to structural damages and other reasons between owners (ISG and outlet mall) that ISG is closed permanently immediately. This is most unfortunate to our children who were able to play and learn in a safe environment - and for Kim, who put her heart and soul into making Island Secret Garden work again. Jacki Troop 1065 _________________________________________________________ Greetings Kim, We wanted to send you an email advising how sad our family was to hear about the ISG closing. We recently moved to Kent Island from Annapolis and immediately discovered that there were very limited things for children to do around the island. My husband and I have a wonderful, rambunctious (almost) 3 year old son, Ethan... who truly needs to expend energy. Aside from a children's gym that only offered once a week classes, there wasnt much more that peaked our interest for Ethan... until our new neighbor recommended Island Secret Garden in January 2010. As soon as I walked in ISG, I was thrilled about the center. It was everything I had hoped for in a children's center! Ethan played and played... we spent over three hours there that day and every other day we went to ISG! I loved being able to relax and read a magazine or catch up on a good book as my son entertained himself at the center. The best part was the genuine, welcoming environment and friendly staff members, beginning with you. As soon as I walked in the door the first day, I was greeted by your warm, inviting smile and immediately I knew, we had found our "local hang out" place. The entire concept you had going on in ISG was so comfortable, from the play stations to the snack areas with microwaves and a refrigerator to allow the parents to have meals there with or for the kids! I even spoke to you about reserving a party date at ISG for Ethan's birthday in April as I knew there could be no better place on the island for his great birthday celebration! So when I read your "closing" email, my heart ws broken just as every other ISG parent's heart was. The ISG concept of a phenomenal indoor playground in Kent Island, coupled with your heart-warming personality is a perfect recipe for a successful children's center. I got to meet many other parents at ISG and I know you have a large pool of supporters, followers and helpers. Your most recent email about searching for a new ISG venue nearly brought tears to my eyes, out of joy and hope. If you were able to open a new ISG, my family would be one of the first in line, ready to sign up for a membership! We would sign up ahead of a grand opening if member commitment ws needed first. We are willing to do anything within our capability to assist the re-opening of ISG! Much Love, Sara, Dane and little Ethan Schriver _________________________________________________________ Kim - I was catching up on personal emails this morning and was so sad to read your email about the closing of ISG. You have done so much for the community and you are such an inspiring, wonderful woman & mother! Over the years my kids have gone to ISG numerous times. One special memory I have is holding my Jacob's 7th birthday party at ISG last October - it was so awesome. All the parents were commenting on what a great place ISG was and what a great place for a kids birthday party. One special memory of the day that I remember is that while Jacob's friends were playing, Jacob came to me and said "is it ready yet?" So I took him in the party room and just he and I walked around the room looking at the decorations and cake. He had such a look of wonderment on his precious face. He commented on every detail and took it all in. It was a very special moment that I'll always remember. Thank you for making possible something that may seem so small to some folks but was so big for me & Jacob. He has said, "remember my Pokeman birthday party at the Island Secret Garden....it was so cool". I will share your email with several "investor type" folks here on Kent Island. We have so little kid friendly type places here on the island. And ISG was a wonderful place. Thanks for all you have done and conitnue to do for all of us! You are amazing!!! Cindy Thierry ________________________________________________________ Hi Kim.... _________________________________________________________
As President of the Chesapeake Moms Club a social support network for Mothers in Queen Anne's County it was a great disappointment to learn of the closure of Island Secret Garden. Our club has over 100 mothers as members representing several hundred children and this was a facility that was used frequently by our organization for monthly meetings and other play activities. There is nothing in the area that compares to it. On a personal note, I have seen the remarkable energy and enthusiasm that Kim Donnelly brought to the facility and I know that wherever this energy takes her, she will meet success and have the support of her friends at Chesapeake Moms Club.
Kim,
I can't believe this! I am so sad I could cry. Did the heavy snow damage the building? I am just shocked! I'm so sorry this happened to you. You are such a wonderful person and have done such a good job with ISG. Roni
I'm so sorry to hear about the recent turn of events... You have a great thing going, and I know with your spunk and enthusiasm you will succeed in getting it back off the ground in the near future. I know Kailyn will be dissapointed, but excited for the NEW ISG! Good luck to you and your family!
~La Nae