It is so inspiring when our alumni find ways to give back to The Cabbage Patch. This summer, we were very lucky to have not one, not two but THREE Cabbage Patch alumni come and share their gifts through our summer camps!
Frankie Lewis is no stranger to The Cabbage Patch. The well-known fashion designer was a regular as a Patch kid and now, as an adult, uses her platform to fundraise for The Patch and continues to maintain strong relationships with many Cabbage Patch Alumni. The “Project Runway” star partnered with Patch staff to put on the first-ever Fashion Design Camp at The Cabbage Patch this summer. From learning basic stitches to designing their own patterns, Frankie inspired campers to use their creativity in new ways.
John Keen’s passion for performing arts is infectious! After traveling around the country and running his own dance studio in New York, John wanted to come back to his hometown to share what he has learned with a place that shaped him when he was younger — The Cabbage Patch. John had two chances to share his love for the arts this summer, creating Dance Camp and Theater Camp. Both camps sparked energy and passion in his students, introducing new skills and challenging them to go beyond their comfort zones.
Finally, we had an extra special guest at Chef Camp this summer — Food Network star and Louisville native Chef Damaris Phillips. Damaris grew up coming to The Cabbage Patch during the summers and shared fond memories of attending Fun Club with Mr. Chin. Now a regular on shows like Guy’s Grocery Games and Beat Bobby Flay, Damaris led a day of camp, teaching Patch kids how to make a traditional southern breakfast from start to finish. With her infectious enthusiasm and constant encouragement, she made an indelible mark on Patch campers, creating core memories that will last a lifetime.
In ways large and small, Cabbage Patch alumni are giving back to a place that means so much to them and we are grateful!
Are you a Cabbage Patch alum and want to get involved? Contact Chris Hughes, communications specialist, at chughes@cabbagepatch.org or call 502-634-0811 to learn more.