Donations to remember Vivian at playground

NEWBURGH, IN (WFIE) - Remembering lives lost too soon.

4-year-old Vivian Varner and her dad, Joshua, died while kayaking last week. Now mom and wife, Jennifer, is asking for donations to go to a special cause: in Vivian’s honor.

All donations are going to upgrade the playground at Vivian’s preschool. Plans include planting a pink dogwood, a prayer bench, and learning stations so kids can learn through play.

Saint John the Baptist Kinder Kountry is already in the process of renovating the playground to make it accessible to children of all abilities. To do so, they must remove the current pea gravel and level the area.

Principal Elizabeth Flatt says Vivian was very special and loved playing at what she called her “big girl school.”

Flatt says Youth First came to the school to talk to students and teachers the day after the accident.

We’re told initial estimates are at thousands of dollars to level the area to make the playground accessible. They’ve already received hundreds of dollars with more coming in.

If you would like to donate, you can call 812-490-2000. You can also drop off or mail cash or a check to St. John the Baptist Parish or School at 725 Frame Road in Newburgh. Make checks payable to “St. John the Baptist Playground Project” with “Preschool” in the memo line.

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