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Remembering – Dogwood sale benefits school

Avondale Estates Decatur

Remembering – Dogwood sale benefits school

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Photo from the Intown Ace Hardware Facebook page.

Photo from the Intown Ace Hardware Facebook page.

People who knew Tami Willadsen say she loved nature.

Her passion led her to become director of philanthropy for the Nature Conservancy. On April 12 Tami Willadsen and her daughter Jess died in a fire at their Avondale Estates home. Her son Jack, 5, was severely burned and her husband Dave was also injured.

To honor their memory, Intown Ace Hardware is selling dogwood trees. All proceeds will go to The Museum School, where Jess attended classes and Tami served as president of school’s foundation.

Tami’s father, Joe Eifrid, founded Intown Ace Hardware in Decatur. Dave Jones, one of the current owners of the business, said after someone first suggested the idea, Eifrid talked it over with Dave Willadsen. Dave Willadsen suggested planting white dogwood trees for Tami and pink ones for Jess.

“Joe had talked to Dave and Dave had suggested that he thought in years to come he’d like to walk jack around the neighborhood and see the trees,” Jones said.

Jones said there isn’t a definite end-date on the fundraiser. He said the hardware store will sell the trees as long as there’s interest. Jones said Jack’s wounds are healing, but he still has a long road ahead of him.

Since the company made the announcement on Facebook, several people already have stopped by to pick up their tree, Jones said.

The interest in the project is another reminder of the impact one person can have on the lives around them.

“Tami really touched so many people. That’s apparent,” Jones said.  “She’s such a dynamic personality. I do think people want to leave something they’ll remember her by.”

The store is located at 1404 Scott Blvd in Decatur, GA.

 

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