Help Village Playgarden Rise from the Ashes

Dear Community,

On behalf of Village Playgarden, I've set up this fundraiser. Please read on to learn more about what this school means for our community.

Words from Papa Geoff:

We are launching a fundraising drive to secure the future of Village Playgarden, a beloved early childhood school serving children ages 2 to 6 and a vibrant community of parents and educators. Kikanza Ramsey-Ray, known to hundreds of children as “Ms. Kikanza”, along with her husband “Papa Geoff”, founded Village Playgarden in 2008, inspired by her vision of bringing together a diverse community of families located in the historically black community of Altadena, where children flourished in a curriculum that synthesized Waldorf education, nature-based experiential learning, and non-violent communication. Help us reopen Village Playgarden and continue her legacy!

On January 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire tragically destroyed our classrooms, displacing 40 families and leaving a significant gap in childcare and early education in the region. In response, we are committed to establishing a new school home and expanding our capacity to meet the growing need for high-quality childcare in the wake of this disaster.

We are actively working to secure a suitable property, navigate licensing requirements, and assemble the resources needed to reopen as quickly as possible. Our initial goal is to raise $200,000.

Your generosity will ensure that Village Playgarden can continue its mission of nurturing young children and their families for years to come. We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who stand with us during this challenging time.

Warm regards,

Papa Geoff

Director, Village Playgarden

Ms. Kikanza and Village Playgarden children.

Papa Geoff in front of his home that the Skylane classroom was connected to.

Skylane classroom before and after.