Ornaments of Hope: How a Community turns Grief into Giving
Jessica Taylor • November 18, 2025
Gulf Shores Middle School art students collaborate for a great cause
Texting while driving often leads to severe consequences and tragedies. In the wake of these losses, however, we gain insights that can raise awareness that resonates across generations, and foster lasting community connections. The Garner C. Tampary Foundation exemplifies these efforts by tackling distracted driving and promoting lasting changes in societal attitudes toward this issue all while giving back through community connection.
In their journey of grief, the Tampary family found it was shared by many, thus creating “The Merry Memories Tinsel Trail” in honor of their son Garner, who was tragically killed alongside his friend Sonny in 2021. The trail, designed similarly to those in northern Alabama, features live Christmas trees that can be reserved in two ways: they can be sponsored and decorated by local businesses, or families can decorate them in memory of a loved one. All proceeds remain local, benefiting the Christian Service Center in Gulf Shores, which has received over $10,000 in the past. The ongoing collaborations and beneficiaries continue to connect community members in remarkable ways as the event enters its third year.
One special connection is with Freda Butler, Owner and Lead Designer of Southern Palms Decor and Furniture. Butler sponsored a tree in the first year at the request of Garner’s father, Mike Tampary. Initially unsure of what she was getting into, she agreed. As both an artist and a parent, Butler emphasized, “If I was going to do a tree, it couldn't be a boring tree; it had to be beautiful and purposeful.” She and her team partnered with Mobile artist Amber Ivy to learn techniques that they still use to create their ornaments today. After crafting over 100 ornaments with the help of a dedicated crew and family, Butler realized they needed to find another solution for the future. Committed to maintaining the quality of their production and display, they forged new community connections.
For the second year, Southern Palms will partner with Gulf Shores Middle School to create and decorate ornaments for the Merry Memories Tinsel Trail. Butler recalls, “The task was just too big to ask my staff, friends, and family to do again.” As a mother and business owner in the art world, she is passionate about “helping children discover art.” After her children mentioned their amazing art teacher, Ms. Michaelson, this partnership became a clear choice. “We get to go into the schools and tell them about the foundation and the importance of wearing their seatbelts while helping us make beautiful ornaments,” Butler states.
Both Ms. Michaelson and Mr. Tampary find joy in this collaboration. Tampary explains, “I love that all these students get the opportunity to hear about Garner, make these ornaments, and learn the importance of wearing your seatbelt.” Michaelson, once a teacher to the young Garner, fondly recalls him as “such a sweet child,” and she enjoys having her current students involved in a project that honors his memory.
For Freda Butler, this partnership resonates with her own youth, where she participated in a program sponsored by the Alabama Arts Council that helped shape who she is today. She fondly remembers learning that being an artist encompasses more than just painting and drawing. “I love that I get to bring a different medium that they aren't used to into the classroom,” she says, sharing her love for art. In her everyday work, her artistic touch appears in the beautiful vacation rentals she designs, where she feels like she’s working on a big art project. Butler delights in sharing her passion with students while creating art with them and advocating for a cause that is close to her heart.
All proceeds from “ The Merry Memories Tinsel Trail” will go to
Christian Service Center
Southern Palms is selling ornaments from the past two years at their store in Orange Beach and on their website.
Shop ornaments
All proceeds from the ornament sales will benefit the Garner C. Tampary Foundation.
For more information on the foundation or to donate check out this website. https://www.lessonz.org/
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