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Rooted in Faith...Built to Bless
The Tamarisk Story
Tamarisk isn't just our name, it represents our mission!
The Tamarisk Tree is a symbol of hope for the future. These trees are the only shade tree found in the desert. But that is not where the significance ends. They are extremely slow growers, so when someone plants a Tamarisk tree, they are planting it to benefit future generations.
OUR STORY IS REALLY GOD'S STORY!
God had a plan for Tamarisk long before Lori and Teresa even had an inkling of a thought. In fact, Lori and Teresa didn't even know each other until a few years ago. But time is no factor when God has a plan. He brought these two together when He orchestrated their employment together at a local nonprofit. Through life's hills and valleys, their friendship and passion for this mission revealed itself, and they knew they needed to use their well-balanced skill set to bring this vision to life. Jackie's addition to our team was also part of God's plan. Jackie and Lori have been friends for years, but never knew that he would use this connection for a greater purpose. Her servant-leadership and zeal to do God's work through Tamarisk is invaluable to our success. We all bring something different to the table, but form a powerful team grounded in our faith and desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our corner of the community.
Meet the Team
Teresa Beardsley
Co-founder
Lori Knuth Gumm
Jackie Arnoldi
Co-founder
Board Member
Lori has always called this area home and is blessed to be living on land that has been in her family for over 100 years. Her family, which includes her husband, Duane, of over 29 years, her 3 children (2 boys & 1 girl), daughter-in-law, their significant others, and her grandson are her greatest treasures. She is an outgoing, creative, joy-filled person who enjoys building authentic relationships with others. God has blessed her with a wide range of careers over the years including being a business owner, a proofreader & editor, working in the nonprofit sector, teaching high school, college, and homeschooling her children through graduation, working in ministry, and pursuing a career in real estate has provided her with invaluable skills. Each of these opportunities challenged her in different ways and has prepared her for today. In her spare time, she loves to read, puzzle, be outdoors, kayak, travel throughout the country, sing in the Praise Team, play games, and spend time with people she loves. Her faith in God sustains her and is the internal compass for her life.
Jackie is full of life and has a heart to serve. God, family, and community are central to who she is. She has been married to her husband, Tim, for 28 years. Life has been full for them during their marriage as they have been raising five children (4 boys & 1 girl). Because Jackie is a stay-at-home mom, it allowed her to homeschool her children for many years. When she is not tending to her family, you can find Jackie doing something active. She teaches youth taekwondo classes, and she is a 2nd degree black belt working toward her 3rd degree black belt. She enjoys playing volleyball and golf; watching & attending Brewer games; exploring national parks and finding adventures traveling; and playing cards. She loves to serve her community through volunteering for the Anchor of Hope gala and Cooks for Christ at Campus Life. She is a member of Grace Baptist Church and most importantly her compass for life comes from her love for Jesus.
Serving is in the very fabric of who Teresa is, and it is evident in her family and community. She began developing her skills, which have served her well in all her careers and community involvement, when she completed her undergraduate work at Winona State University receiving her Bachelors in Human Resources. She returned home to complete her Master in Business Administration at Lakeland University. Teresa is married to Paul, with whom she runs a family business, and they have 3 children. Over the years, Teresa has worked in accounting & finance, human resources, management, & ministry. Her giving heart has led her to volunteering in a variety of community organizations where she has organized many events. Her faith is her guiding light. God has blessed her with the gift of service, and she has used it in many ways including being a Bible study leader for fourteen years.
Our Featured Event
A Christmas Fundraiser Benefiting those in Need
Festival of the Trees is a Christmas Wonderland experience with a much bigger purpose!
This Christmas extravaganza is a fundraising event that will benefit a local person/family in need or a local nonprofit that serves our community.
There is something for everyone. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Christmas as you stroll through the venue inside and out.
The Festival of the Trees funds will be distributed through a grant. To become a grant recipient, click here:
Love Christmas and love being creative...then join us by donating a decorated item that will be part of our silent auction. To learn more:
Be a difference maker this holiday season by supporting the Festival of the Trees.
A Glimpse into the Festival
Explore the Grand Hall of Trees to marvel at decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces, nativity displays, & snow globes; find that special Christmas gift in our Marketplace; satisfy your hunger when you eat at Evergreen Eatery; excite your taste buds with your favorite sweet treat from Gingerbread Junction; wander the lighted wooded trail; and warm yourself by the fire or with a warm festive holiday cocoa or grog. There is truly something for everyone!
Kind Words From Our Guests
"If your looking for a fun and festive way to start your holiday season check out the Festival of the Trees. I have attended this family friendly event the last two years and thoroughly enjoyed all that is offered. Not only were there beautifully decorated trees to take in, but also music performed by various-aged musicians. There was an array of Christmas cookies and other yummy treats, holiday crafts and ornaments for sale. Then if you were hungry you could grab a bite to eat too. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing way to get in the Christmas Spirit be sure to put this on your calendar."
Judy K.
"Festival of the Trees is such a great event to start the holiday season! The lights! The trees! The decorations! It really gets you in the Christmas spirit. I especially liked seeing the beautifully decorated trees because they were all so different--some were traditional and elegant, while others had really creative themes. I really enjoyed browsing for unique items in the Marketplace. It was especially nice knowing that my Christmas shopping was also supporting local makers. And I even found gifts for people who are usually difficult to shop for! This is an event I'd definitely recommend bringing your family and friends to. I think you'll have a tree-mendously wonderful time!"
Becky S.
"I have always enjoyed the Festival of the Trees. It's a great way to kick off the holidays and fill your heart with joy and love that is meant to be in the special season."
Bonnie D.
"We walked through the Festival of Trees and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The beautifully decorated trees and festive atmosphere created a warm and welcoming environment that truly captured the spirit of the season. We especially enjoyed the outdoor walking path, where the sparkling lights added an extra touch of holiday magic. Another highlight was the incredible selection of baked goods. It was clear that a tremendous amount of time, creativity, and dedication went into making the festival such a memorable experience. We're grateful for the opportunity to attend and look forward to returning in the future!"
Gloria
Our Statement of Faith
Our faith and beliefs are the guiding principles of everything we do at Tamarisk.
What we Believe
The Statement of Faith has been adopted by Tamarisk Inc. as our foundational set of beliefs and guides all of our work and decisions.
We believe the Bible to be the God-breathed, inspired, inerrant, authoritative, written Word of God, true and trustworthy. 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21
We believe in one God eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Matthew 3-16-17,
Matthew 28:19, John 14:9-10, John 14:16
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory. Luke 1:35, Matthew 1:18, 1 Peter 1:18-19,
Hebrews 9:14
We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful humanity, regeneration by the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ is absolutely essential. Romans 3:23-26, Ephesians 2:1-5, Romans 8:5-8
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. Romans 6:1-10, Jeremiah 31:33, Romans 12:2
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, they who are saved unto the resurrection of life. and they who are lost unto the resurrection of damnation. 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10-12, John 5:28-29,
John 12:48, Rev. 20:11-15
We believe in the Body of Christ being the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 12:4-5,
1 Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 4:3
We believe from the beginning God designed marriage to be a covenantal relationship between one man and one woman. Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5-6, Romans 1:26-27
We believe that human life begins at conception and therefore is sacred. Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:13-16,
Isaiah 49:1