The GARDEN OF HOPE and COURAGE provides a place of peaceful reflection for patients, patient families, hospital nurses, hospital physicians, and all those who care for the sick on a daily basis. The Garden allows patients, families and staff to re-energize and draw comfort and support at a time when its so desperately needed. The GARDEN OF HOPE and COURAGE occupies approximately 2.5 acres and is located on the NCH Healthcare System’s Baker Hospital in downtown Naples, near the Raymond L. Lutgert Cancer Pavilion.
A memorial for Jan Emfield who passed away from breast cancer in 1994, The Garden is inspired by Jan’s great courage, as well as all whose lives have been affected by this horrific disease. Jan recognized both the physical and emotional healing benefits a peaceful garden, sunshine and fresh air provide. The Garden encompasses a formal garden, the Dalton Family Children’s Garden, the Tommy Bahama Pavilion and a one-acre lake as it’s centerpiece. A concrete path encircles the lake and is surrounded by flowers, trees, benches and beautiful sculptures.
Tommy Bahama has made a company-wide commitment to the GARDEN. Since 1996, Tommy Bahama has raised significant funds for the project by donating a percentage of the sale of designated items from their apparel and accessory collections. Each season select items – some specially designed for the project – are chosen as GARDEN OF HOPE and COURAGE styles. Beyond the product lines, Tommy Bahama’s employees across the country have adopted the Garden as their charity. From our local Naples Tommy Bahama Coconut Classic to a variety of in-store events and corporate fundraisers, the company has embraced the Garden. “This is an opportunity to pay tribute to Jan and to help others. She would be very proud of that,” says Emfield of the company’s participation in the project.
D’Amico and Partners, Inc., through its operating companies and employees, Campiello, D’Amico Cucina, D’Amico and Sons, and Cafe Lurcat, have also adopted the GARDEN OF HOPE and COURAGE as its primary charity and have been raising funds for the project through wine dinners and golf tournaments since 1994. Richard D’Amico was the instrumental force in seeing that Jan’s dream of a healing sanctuary become a reality. Through his leadership, the garden exists today.
