In 1882, visionary women, recognizing the need to care for Stockton’s orphaned and neglected children, formed the Ladies Aid Society. During that same year, they established the Children’s Home of Stockton – assisted by donations from the Children’s Home Sewing Circle. For the past 125 years, CHS has been providing special education, life skills training and counseling services for emotionally disturbed, disadvantaged and at-risk adolescents.

In 1949, the CHS Auxiliary was founded to carry on the supporting role begun by the Sewing Circle. Presently, 40 dedicated women continue to donate proceeds from the annual Valley Garden Fair towards enrichment and recreational activities for all CHS students. Many years ago, inspired by stylish tea parties, the women of the Auxiliary began hosting garden celebrations. Guests in fanciful hats would enjoy a homemade lunch and fashion show. Today, Valley Garden Fair has become the premier outdoor event of the spring season. What began as a simple fund-raiser has evolved into an elaborate production with a catered gourmet luncheon, exquisite fashions, creative vendors and impressive locations. Happily, the elegant hats remain.

Through the years, many kindhearted and generous homeowners have opened their backyards to the CHS Auxiliary. Today, the gardens of Garden Fair are splendid settings that play the leading role in this annual extravaganza. Dazzling enough to support the presence of circus-style tents, elaborate floral arrangements, vendors of crafts, clothing and whimsy, caterers, volunteers and over 400 guests, these majestic gardens graciously revert to a picturesque stage as the party blossoms.

And oh, what beautiful blossoms abound! The pinks, yellows, reds, blues, oranges and purples are the knots which connect the threads of hardscape and landscape – crafting a brilliant tapestry that reflects the personalities of each homeowner. Coincidently, “the weaver” of several of these gorgeous gardens has been Bill Goddard of GCS Construction. Not just a landscape architect, but a visionary, he helps homeowners create vacation destinations out of their backyards. Goddard’s nationally and internationally acclaimed designs feature dramatic waterfalls, hand-selected natural stone, enormous lakes, meandering paths, cozy fire pits, full-grown specimen trees, gourmet kitchens and elegant fountains. Nestled in the communities of Woodbridge, Sutter Creek, Acampo and Morada, Goddard’s elaborate, yet functional living and entertaining concepts redefine the meaning of “spectacular.”

Garden Fair guests thoroughly appreciate the splendor Goddard has created from nature’s gifts of water, rock and flora. Encouraged by the look of pride on his clients’ faces, a modest and amiable Goddard is thrilled to be a part of this grand charity event. Under his direction, his clients have created a utopia for the benefit of friends, family and the community. A sense of anticipation begins to build for next year’s event, as guests sip their last bit of coffee or savor the final bite of a chocolate-dipped strawberry while enjoying a closing glance at the magnificent garden setting.