For over a decade, Robertson County’s South Central Growers has opened their doors to the public for a day of fun while fostering a spirit of giving. 

This year, the company’s Open House event is scheduled for Saturday, November 11 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at their facility located at 4724 Hire Road in Springfield. All proceeds benefit the Jennifer Green Foundation. 

The Van der Hengst family has operated South Central Growers since 1978, expanding the operation over the years to 1 million square feet of current greenhouse space. 

In years past, the event hosted more than 1,000 guests for tours of the facilities, pictures with Santa, and a free poinsettia from their harvest. Additional poinsettias will be available to purchase as a fundraiser for charity. 

This year, the Van der Hengst family chose to raise money for an organization close to their hearts, the Jennifer Green Foundation, which provides additional resources to special education programs in Robertson County.

"We chose the Jennifer Green Foundation because of our prior history with the charity. Many in our family knew Jennifer personally and her passing affected us all deeply,” says Alex Van der Hengst. “In addition, as brothers of a sister who has special needs, the Jennifer Green Foundation’s mission is near and dear to our hearts."

In 2012, Jennifer lost a battle with leukemia, one she didn’t know she was fighting. She was a mother of four who loved all children, especially those with special needs as her daughter, Riley Mae, and her aunt, Cecilia, both have Down Syndrome. 

“After Jennifer died, we were looking for a way to continue her legacy,” says Elizabeth Gregory, head of the foundation and Jennifer’s sister. “Since its formation, the Jennifer Green Foundation has donated roughly $55,000 to Robertson County Schools.”

The donations have included sensory items for classrooms, small items like paper and printer ink, washing machines, and even a full kitchen installed at Jo Byrn. The main fundraiser for the Jennifer Green Foundation is the annual Live the “Green” Way LIQUID COLOR 5K run held each Memorial Day weekend in Springfield. 

Elizabeth was excited to learn the foundation had been chosen for the South Central Growers Open House this year. 

“We were elated to get the email,” Elizabeth says. “The exposure to so many people who may not know about us is amazing.” 

For more information about the Jennifer Green Foundation, visit their Facebook page here.