For aspiring Eagle Scout Kenny Smith of Troop 671, the vision was simple: breathe new life into two garden beds to honor the legacy of his former troop leader, Brian Foy. When Kenny approached Mrs. Foy to discuss ideas for his final Eagle Scout project, he shared his vision of revitalizing the garden beds in Celebration Plaza. Mrs. Foy was immediately moved.
What Kenny didn't fully realize at the time was the significance these gardens already held for the Foy family. The two trees at the center of the project were a special place for Brian and his wife during Brian's cancer treatment journey. It was where they would often wait together on treatment days, finding moments of peace and comfort amid difficult circumstances. Mrs. Foy shared that transforming the gardens would be a beautiful way to honor Brian's memory and preserve a place that carried deep personal meaning.
With the gardens’ personal significance in mind, Kenny began the careful planning needed to bring his vision to life. He coordinated approvals and logistics with property management, City of Hope Orange County’s facilities team and the Boy Scouts, while also organizing the volunteers who would help complete the project.
Determined to create something lasting, Kenny assembled a team of volunteers and got to work. They removed dead landscaping, added fresh mulch, planted new succulents and restored both garden beds, transforming the space into a welcoming place for reflection and healing.
Kenny’s vision extended beyond revitalizing the gardens; he wanted to create an environment filled with color, connection and messages of hope. Inspired by the painted rock tradition embraced throughout City of Hope, he encourages patients, families, visitors and staff to contribute rocks decorated with uplifting words, symbols, images or messages that inspire joy and encouragement.
"I want to respectfully ask that you paint your rocks in a way that makes you happy, in a way that makes you hopeful, in a way that others who walk by your rock in their hardest days will look at it and smile," Kenny said.
To ensure the tradition continues, Kenny also built a box stocked with rocks and coloring supplies, making it easy for others to participate and leave a message of hope for someone who may need it. His message is simple: "Take one, leave one. Take hope, leave hope."
When the unveiling date was confirmed, the occasion took on even deeper significance: The completed gardens would be dedicated and unveiled on the one-year anniversary of Brian Foy’s passing.
Standing before family members, volunteers and supporters on that meaningful day, Kenny reflected on the man whose legacy inspired the project. “Mr. Foy was a strong man,” Kenny said. “Even during his hardest days, he showed up to scouting events, supported our troop and loved serving our community. He adored scouting more than anything, alongside his family.”
For those gathered, the unveiling became much more than the completion of an Eagle Scout project. It was a celebration of Brian’s life, a tribute to his enduring impact and a reminder that acts of service can create a lasting legacy.