15th annual Husky 5K Run raises thousands for Helen Davis School’s sensory garden

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Saturday marked the 15th annual Husky 5K Run along the parkway, with fundraising efforts benefiting the Helen Davis State School and their sensory garden.

Helen Davis specializes in assisting students with intellectual and physical disabilities, and has hosted this fundraiser for 15 years to help meet the school’s financial needs.

The 5k run is the school’s largest fundraiser, organized through its parent-teacher organization.

Over 200 runners showed up for the event, which school officials said generated between $3,000 and $5,000, enough to complete the school’s planned sensory garden.

Just one year ago, the garden was little more than a grassy patch of ground behind the school.

Since then, the school has installed a fence for safety and security, leveled the terrain, and received donations of seeds, soil, and planters.

Volunteers have also stepped up to build raised flowerbeds to specifications.

“We’ve got some people that are dedicated to building planters for us,” said Rick Ross, building administrator for Helen Davis State School. “We’ve had a lot of seeds and soil donated, and now it’s just a matter of everything coming to fruition.”

The sensory garden will include plants that engage all five senses, sight, smell, touch, and even taste.

Raised beds and walkways will ensure students in wheelchairs can also participate.

“Anyone in a wheelchair can come enjoy it,” Ross said. “It’ll be part of our regular classroom routine.”

Melissa Melgar, a teacher’s aide at the school, explained that the school previously had a sensory garden and outdoor classroom, but it was difficult to use because it wasn’t fenced in.

Now that a fence is in place, students have safe access.

“A lot of our kids really want to be hands-on, and it wasn’t the greatest space for that before,” Melgar said. “But we’re going to turn it into something that we can all use, and it’s going to enrich everybody.”

She also explained the therapeutic benefits of gardening.

“I think gardening for anybody kind of grounds you a little bit, regulates you. Who doesn’t want to get out and plant in some dirt?”

Ross, who is in his first year as administrator, praised his staff for their experience and dedication, many of whom have been involved in the run for all 15 years.

“One rule as a leader: you just jump in and ride the wave and don’t change anything,” Ross said. “And at this point, everything works really well.”

School officials also hope the fundraiser and garden project will help raise the school’s profile in the community.

“We want people to know who we are and what we’re doing,” Melgar said. “We take volunteers. We just want to get more involved in the community than we ever have before.”

Donations in garden supplies are still welcome, and the school is seeking volunteers, including Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, to help build planters and continue work on the garden.

“We’re excited that we had beautiful weather today,” Melgar said. “It’s a big undertaking, and I’m thankful for everyone who came out.”

Those interested in donating can drop off items at the school at 2900 Scott Street in St. Joseph, or contact them directly at 816-387-2986.