CACC News: Kindness Tree planted at Columbia Area Career Center

CACC Director Randy Gooch welcomes the audience
to the ceremony

Friday, May 1, 2015 staff from Columbia Area Career Center, members of the Partner In Education committee from MU Operations and Columbia Chamber of Commerce were on hand to dedicate the Kindness Tree. The intent of the Kindness Tree initiative is to bring attention to mental health awareness and provide a peaceful sanctuary for students to enjoy and contemplate acts of kindness. This was the 50th tree to be planted as a continuation of the Children's Grove project chaired by Anne Deaton and Susan McDavid as a way of showing the community's commitment to children's mental, emotional and physical health, happiness and safety.
The collaboration began with the assistant director of MU Landscape Services teaching the CACC Landscape students how to select a healthy tree from a local nursery. The students planted the Butterfly Magnolia tree at the southwest entrance of CACC. The Ag Welding and Fabrication students constructed a bench that stands beside the tree. Graphic Design students Kylie Renwick and Robin Haithcoat worked in conjunction with the MU professional staff to design the invitations and program for the event. The dedication sign reads, "A single act of kindness can change a life forever" and serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have to one another to act kindly toward each other and the impact that a single act can have on others. Pete Millier, Director MU Botanical Garden read the proclamation issued by Columbia Mayor, Robert Mc David proclaiming May 2015 as a month to emphasize "a single act of kindness can change a life forever."