Clarkston’s first Pond and Water Garden Tour will give visitors a chance to explore unique settings at a variety of homes in Clarkston and Davisburg on July 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event will benefit SCAMP, a five week summer camp for kids and young adults with developmental disabilities. Sponsored by Pond Source in Clarkston, 100 percent of ticket sales will benefit SCAMP, said owner Dawn Kelley.
The self-guided tour includes water features and outdoor environments at 10 Clarkston area homes, from small ponds to very extravagant water features, Kelley said.
She first got the idea to organize an activity to benefit the community at a trade show she attended when presenters asked participants how they give back to their community.
After Kelley thought about the question, she and her team decided to organize the tour and donate the proceeds to a local charity.
‘We thought it would be a fun activity for everybody,? she said.
After deciding what kind of event they would plan, the staff at Pond Source decided to donate the proceeds to SCAMP.
‘SCAMP is a wonderful local organization doing great work,? she said. ‘Everyone knows who they are and we think what they do is amazing. They are awesome.”
Kelley said SCAMP Director Donna Clancy was very supportive of their efforts.
‘I told Donna it was out first time doing anything like this and we were unsure how much money we would raise. Donna’s attitude was, I don’t care if you raise $1 or $10, every dollar helps,” said Kelley, appreciative of Clancy’s support.
Pond Source began planning the tour in March.
A luncheon planned under a pavilion, donated and hosted at Lowrie’s Landscape on Dixie Highway, is included in the price of the ticket. Tickets for the luncheon alone is $10, and visitors can attend the luncheon anytime after 1 p.m.
Mr. B’s is donating lunch, and Neiman’s Family Market is donating drinks.
‘It has been a true community effort,? said Kelley. ‘Mr. B’s and Neiman’s volunteered to help without hesitation.?
Visitors who want to attend can arrive at Pond Source starting at 9:30 a.m. to pick up a map of featured stops on the tour. Visitors can visit the different ponds at their own leisure.
‘It will be a nice fun and relaxing day,? she said. ‘We are so excited to help such a great cause.?
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, and refreshments will be served at the start and end of the tour. For more information on the event, or where to purchase tickets, visit thepondsourceinc.com or call 248-922-7759. Pond Source is located at 9355 Dixie Highway.