Kiki’s Garden
Play. Learn. Create. Grow. Bloom.
The mission of Kiki’s Garden is to Seed Good Deeds in memory of Krista Weller Burns by funding scholarships, enrichment programs and initiatives that support the growth and well-being of youth in our community, providing them the opportunity to develop their potential and pursue their dreams.
Our Vision
Kiki’s Garden emulates Krista’s belief that we can cultivate joy in this world by helping and inspiring others. We envision a world where all children are given opportunities for creative self expression and personal growth. Every child is a seed of unlimited potential deserving the chance to explore, discover and connect to themselves and their world. Inspired and encouraged, these children will “bloom” and go on to seed their own good deeds. Cultivating joy in even one child’s life will resonate to create a better world.
Our Inspiration
Krista Weller Burns
Our Krista (Kiki), a most wonderful daughter, sister, wife and friend inspired us to create Kiki’s Garden when she asked to be remembered for how she lived and not for the immense challenge that finally stole her life. Her gift to us amidst all the pain and sorrow at her passing was our awakening to the infinite power of love and we were compelled to create a legacy to honor her passion for life and her belief that she could help create a better world.
In her short but abundant life, Krista generously planted and cultivated seeds of love. She lived with grace, intelligence and passion. She was bold and sassy, yet genuine, kind and forgiving. She loved life and all manner of people. While she pursued her own passions, she also expended her energy for the benefit of others inspiring and encouraging them to follow their dreams and never give up.
To those who loved her, she was like a big, bold, beautiful sunflower abundant with seeds of potential to give and share. Kiki’s Garden will be her living memorial spreading sunshine to help kids…
Seeding Good Deeds
Scholarships
Kiki’s Garden funds three scholarship opportunities: The Aspire Higher Art Scholarships for Budding Artists, The Aspire Higher Achievement Awards at Exeter Job Corps Academy, and The Kids to Camp Awards.
Community Outreach
Kiki’s Garden provides support to on-going programs in our RI community that provide opportunities for creative fun. We also create our own pop-up programs and events to bring joy-filled activities to children and their families.
Sunflowers for Scholars Fundraiser
In memory of our beautiful Krista, our labor of love is growing sunflowers, her favorite flower. The Sunflowers for Scholars Fundraiser takes place from July through Labor Day at the Kiki’s Garden Farm. All proceeds raised go directly towards supporting our Aspire Higher Scholarships, and youth enrichment programs.
Seedling News
- SECRET SANTA 2023
Elves Jeff & Evelyn from Kiki’s Garden honored the generous spirit of their daughter, Krista Weller Burns, by presenting Matthew’s Wish RI with a SECRET SANTA $1000 gift to help them in their mission to build community one toy at a time! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Congratulations to this hardworking non-profit!Continue reading “SECRET SANTA 2023” - Kiki’s Garden Elves Make Merry in 2022!
Call to action! Secret Santa rides again in 2022 to support local community nonprofits in RI. Michael Lorenzen Foundation Katies Fund for Kids Angel in Action - IT WAS A HAPPY HOPPITY DAY!
Kiki’s Garden Princesses Spreading Good Deeds Kiki’s Garden Princesses brought their castle and talents to help the Easter Bunny create a fun, interactive fantasy experience at the 1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt for Children with Special Needs, hosted by the Spaulding Outpatient Rehabilitation Centers at Kent Hospital. We want to thank these volunteer performers who answered our Call forContinue reading “IT WAS A HAPPY HOPPITY DAY!”
Kiki's Garden 