Matt's Community Vegetable Garden
Donation protected
A Garden in New Orleans Grows....
The Johnson Family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this tremendously difficult time. The Johnsons plan to set up a community vegetable garden in Matt’s beloved New Orleans to commemorate his passion for farm-to-table food, love of community and to fulfill his dream of having a plot of land in NOLA to call his own.
For those asking about sending flowers, we instead encourage you to consider contributing to Matt’s garden so that we can continue to honor his memory. Matt specifically mentioned purchasing a plot of land near Treme for $15k. We are currently researching the total cost, and as we learn more, we will adjust our goal accordingly.
Please feel free to donate as little or as much as you wish. Our hope is that this is a true community effort – so anything you can contribute, no matter how big or small it is, will bring us one step closer to creating a permanent place in New Orleans that people can go to share stories, pick a pepper and enjoy memories of Matt.
We will be creating a website with details regarding the specific location of the garden and the volunteer needs that this project will require.
_________UPDATE RE: DALLAS FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS_________
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 22, 2018, at 2:00 pm at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 2800 Valwood Parkway, Farmers Branch, TX 75234.
A Celebration of Life reception for Matt is planned at Fogo de Chão, 4300 Belt Line Road, Addison, TX, on Friday, June 22, 2018 at 3:30 pm.
All are welcome!
A similar celebration in New Orleans will be announced here at a later date.
_______________UPDATE:____________________
Thanks to all for your generous contributions! Matt would be so proud to know of the warm wishes and love shared in his memory.
We've received a few questions about Matt's community garden and want to make sure everyone is updated as we work through the logistics of this project.
This effort is being spearheaded by Matt's immediate family in Dallas, including his sister Mary Kate Johnson, his brothers Daniel, Michael, and Patrick, and his parents Larry and Carla Johnson. Following Matt's funeral on June 22, we will engage with a real estate agent in New Orleans to identify the specific plot of land Matt was considering. We will also be reaching out to local community groups that we can partner with to ensure the long-term sustainability of Matt's garden. (While we have received a few recommendations of who to contact, we of course welcome any additional suggestions.)
The funds raised in Matt's memory will specifically be used as follows:
- First, the purchase price of the land. We anticipate this will cost between $15,000 - $20,000 once realtor fees and taxes are included.
- All additional funds will be placed in a trust account to cover ongoing expenses. Anticipated future expenses include property taxes, utilities, and maintenance. Depending on the total amount raised, we will also look into the possibility of hiring a part-time caretaker or groundskeeper.
Once again, on behalf of our brother and son Matt, thank you all for your support.
With love,
Mary Kate, Larry, Carla, Dan, Mike, and Patrick
The Johnson Family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this tremendously difficult time. The Johnsons plan to set up a community vegetable garden in Matt’s beloved New Orleans to commemorate his passion for farm-to-table food, love of community and to fulfill his dream of having a plot of land in NOLA to call his own.
For those asking about sending flowers, we instead encourage you to consider contributing to Matt’s garden so that we can continue to honor his memory. Matt specifically mentioned purchasing a plot of land near Treme for $15k. We are currently researching the total cost, and as we learn more, we will adjust our goal accordingly.
Please feel free to donate as little or as much as you wish. Our hope is that this is a true community effort – so anything you can contribute, no matter how big or small it is, will bring us one step closer to creating a permanent place in New Orleans that people can go to share stories, pick a pepper and enjoy memories of Matt.
We will be creating a website with details regarding the specific location of the garden and the volunteer needs that this project will require.
_________UPDATE RE: DALLAS FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS_________
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 22, 2018, at 2:00 pm at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 2800 Valwood Parkway, Farmers Branch, TX 75234.
A Celebration of Life reception for Matt is planned at Fogo de Chão, 4300 Belt Line Road, Addison, TX, on Friday, June 22, 2018 at 3:30 pm.
All are welcome!
A similar celebration in New Orleans will be announced here at a later date.
_______________UPDATE:____________________
Thanks to all for your generous contributions! Matt would be so proud to know of the warm wishes and love shared in his memory.
We've received a few questions about Matt's community garden and want to make sure everyone is updated as we work through the logistics of this project.
This effort is being spearheaded by Matt's immediate family in Dallas, including his sister Mary Kate Johnson, his brothers Daniel, Michael, and Patrick, and his parents Larry and Carla Johnson. Following Matt's funeral on June 22, we will engage with a real estate agent in New Orleans to identify the specific plot of land Matt was considering. We will also be reaching out to local community groups that we can partner with to ensure the long-term sustainability of Matt's garden. (While we have received a few recommendations of who to contact, we of course welcome any additional suggestions.)
The funds raised in Matt's memory will specifically be used as follows:
- First, the purchase price of the land. We anticipate this will cost between $15,000 - $20,000 once realtor fees and taxes are included.
- All additional funds will be placed in a trust account to cover ongoing expenses. Anticipated future expenses include property taxes, utilities, and maintenance. Depending on the total amount raised, we will also look into the possibility of hiring a part-time caretaker or groundskeeper.
Once again, on behalf of our brother and son Matt, thank you all for your support.
With love,
Mary Kate, Larry, Carla, Dan, Mike, and Patrick
Organizer
Johnson Family
Organizer
New Orleans, LA
