Butler County leaders hope to leave a legacy for mothers in need.

As its capstone project, the 2017-2018 Class of Leadership Butler County will build a garden for The Inn, a Life Choices program that provides a maternity home for pregnant women who are at risk of homelessness.

They call the project “Garden of Hope.”

Cara Kriebel, one of the 24 leaders in this year's class, said the project was chosen by vote out of about seven submitted proposals.

“We chose this project mostly because the entire class felt like this project was going to leave a legacy both for the Leadership Butler County program and for The Inn,” Kriebel said. “We felt like some of the work we could do ourselves and some of the work we could contract. So it was realistic.”

Kriebel said the project would involve removing and replacing the current landscaping around The Inn and building a sustainable garden. The Inn's residents would be responsible for taking care of the garden after its construction, which would be a healthy and educational activity.

“It's not just building a garden, it's providing a sustainable program,” she said.

To begin raising money for the project, the leaders have an event planned May 12 at The Atrium in Franklin Township. Attendees will be able to enjoy a murder-mystery dinner, called “Robin Hood ain't lookin' so good,” and an additional basket raffle with baskets donated by local businesses.

“It's kind of like a satirical theme that the group thought would be fun,” Kriebel said.

The group also is working on ways to find sponsors for the garden, which would most likely be companies or individual donors whose contribution would be recognized with plaques on benches or other items in the garden.

Kriebel said the leaders have had some help from Stan Kosciuszko, president of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, which the leadership program is affiliated.

Kosciuszko said this year's class has been one-of-a-kind in size and their systematic approach to their work.

“It's the biggest class we've ever had,” he said. “We've had a really good response of people wanting to take part in Leadership Butler County.”

Kosciuszko said the class is hoping to reach $18,000 as a fundraising goal by April 27. He said the goal is a higher estimate for the project.

“(Each class) always shoot for the moon,” Kosciuszko said. “Knowing this class, they will reach their goal.”