Jennifer's Dream

Kathy Choppin, Jennifer Fitzgerald’s mother, delivered the following speech at the dedication of Jennifer’s Play Yard on Thursday, October 19th, at The Play House:

More pictures of Jennifer's Play Yard Dedication

About 9 years ago, on a busy downtown street in Long Beach, my daughter, Jennifer Fitzgerald, saw a toddler in a dirty diaper, alone, with no where to go. Because she was passionate about the right of all children to have a normal childhood, she realized then that there was a need to be filled. She believed that children shouldn’t have to suffer because of the unfortunate circumstances or poor choices and lifestyles of their parents. She spoke with her friend, Theresa Bixby, and a dream was born . . . a daycare center for homeless children. Dreams don’t come true on their own, and in order to make theirs a reality they set goals, they made plans, they worked very hard, and they never, never gave up. Some thought their dream was just a pipedream, however, they persisted and they eventually prevailed. Dreams like theirs take angels too, and they found them in a fantastic, hard-working Board, an incredible group of generous, imaginative volunteers - the Sandlarks, in some supportive city officials, and in a multitude of very generous business people and private citizens. As a result, the dream of “Children Today,” and then “The Play House,” became a reality.

Today, because Jennifer and Theresa didn’t give up on their dream, at bedtime, children put their heads on whatever pillow they might have, perhaps it’s a cot at the homeless shelter, or in the back of a car, in a tent, or a cardboard box, and they dream of coming back to The Play House in the morning, where they’ll be cuddled, comforted, cleaned, fed, hugged, taught, and played with. . . the dream of every child, come true. Hopefully, those experiences will follow them through their lives, perhaps they’ll remember the gentle touch, the kind word, the silly game, and the world won’t seem so frightening, or life so hard.

I would like to thank you for putting the final touch on that dream - “Jennifer’s Play Yard” - a special place that would be any child’s dream. This is where Jenn would have loved being the most . . . with little ones climbing into her lap while she helped them paint tee shirts, or build sand castles, plant flowers or a garden, and play make-believe in and around the cottage. This is where she’d teach them to take turns, and play fair - to share, and not be bossy or a bully. This is where they could let their imaginations run wild and just have fun . . . she would have loved it.

On behalf of Jennifer’s family, I want to thank each of you for your donations and help in creating a place where many dreams will come true . . . this area was mostly dirt and clumps of grass - but you’ve made it possible to buy wonderful equipment, and create an environment that these children would not be able to enjoy otherwise. Our very special thanks go to the Hodges and Clancy Foundations, Kozy and Sally Cannon Boren, and John Wavell - their generosity is remarkable. Also, to Robbie Matsunaga who donated all the plants and trees - his crew worked for many days preparing, planting and sodding - and they aren’t finished yet. And to Home Depot - besides donating all the new cabinetry and appliances inside the Play House, they are supplying trees, all the sod, and are continuing to amaze us with their “Johnny on the spot” help and generosity. All of you truly are the angels of these children - and I am absolutely certain that there is an angel in heaven who is praying for each of you - praying that you will continue her work and continue to make her dream come true for the sake of the little ones who, otherwise, might never know what it’s like to have all the thrills of childhood that we and our children have probably taken for granted. Thank you for being here, and thank you for your wonderful support in making this magical place for the little ones who need it most.