Julie Brenton with her two sons hiking Kumamo Kodo, a 1000 years old pilgrimage trail in Kai peninsula.
Julie Brenton’s connection to Nature Sacred is literally lifelong. Her father, Buz, was childhood friends with Nature Sacred’s co-founder, Tom Stoner. In a synchronous moment, which represents the strong affinity of the two families, the Stoners and the Brentons respectively launched their most meaningful philanthropic work in the same year.
Just months after Brenton Arboretum celebrated its 25th anniversary, Julie joined her father, brother, and other family members at Nature Sacred’s 25th celebration. It was at this meaningful night that her personal connection to our mission truly ignited.
After losing her husband unexpectedly in 2021, Julie felt called to support Lenox Hill Hospital not only for the exceptional care her husband received there but for the extraordinary care that was shown to her and her sons during that tumultuous time.
After hearing more detail about Nature Sacred’s mission and our work to bring the healing power of nature where it is most needed – including hospitals – Julie said that evening created a snapshot of what was possible. In that moment, Julie decided she was going to work to bring a Sacred Place to Lenox Hill Hospital.
In addition to being a major catalyst for the Sacred Place at Northwell Health’s Lenox Hill Hospital which is in the early stages of planning, Julie supports Nature Sacred because the mission is something that creates real, meaningful change in communities and institutions. “There is a profound alignment – spiritually, mentally – that makes my support of Nature Sacred and the Sacred Place at Lenox Hill Hospital joyful and easy in a way that is unique to many of the other demands in my life.” As she put it, “the idea that nature is a healer is a no-brainer to the Brenton family.”
Nature Sacred is profoundly grateful for the many ways Julie, and her family, embody and champion our mission.
Are you connected to a hospital where you would like to see a Sacred Place? Please reach out to let us know.
