Each year the Cooper Trooper Foundation hosts it’s primary fundraiser, the “Pumpkin Patch” at the corner of Cool Springs Blvd. and Mallory Lane. We will not open until Saturday, October 14th in 2023, but will remain open each day through Halloween, as always…or until we run out of pumpkins. The Pumpkin Patch is operated by hundreds of volunteers throughout the month.
We are proud to say that after we pay for pumpkins, 100% of the profit from this fundraiser goes straight to the Cooper Trooper Foundation. It is because of our volunteers, generous sponsors, and the thousands of customers who purchase their “pumpkin for a purpose” that we are able to continue doing what we do to help these families whose worlds have been turned upside down by childhood cancer.
If you are involved with are interested in volunteering at the patch, please visit our online volunteer sign-up form (2023 Volunteer sign up available in early September) or email info@coopertrooper.org
Where is The Cooper Trooper Foundation’s Pumpkin Patch?
Located in Franklin, Tennessee at the corner of Cool Springs Blvd. and Mallory Lane in front of Walgreens (530 Cool Springs Blvd., Franklin, TN 37067).
What are the dates/hours of operation?
The Pumpkin Patch will be in operation Saturday, October 14 – Tuesday , October 31st. We reserve the right to close during inclement weather and will post this on our instagram and facebook page immediately upon doing so.
Hours are:
Sunday-Friday- 10am – 7pm
Saturday 9am – 8pm
What kind of payment do you take for purchasing pumpkins?
We accept all major credit cards, including contactless payments through apple pay, google pay, venmo etc. We will accept cash or checks for donations only. Additionally, donations may be added to a customers purchase at checkout for your convenience.
Is there a cost to get in to the pumpkin patch?
No. We hope that your visit to our pumpkin patch is an opportunity for you to purchase our amazing pumpkins and gourds, as 100% of the profit from sales go directly to The Cooper Trooper Foundation. Buying “pumpkins for a purpose” is what it is all about!
What else is there to do at the Patch?
You may take personal photos at the patch…if we aren’t helping someone else with their pumpkins, we will even take a family photo for you with your phone! We have the right to ask that you use discretion in the amount of time you spend taking photos, so as to not interfere with customers purchasing pumpkins. We ask that you not sit on or interfere with the pumpkins while photographing. We have a designated photo area set up for taking pictures that we recommend you take advantage of, if you would like to have a picture made. Additionally, please include #ctfpumpkinpatch if you post on social media and let your friends know that we are the place to buy their “pumpkins for a purpose.”
Note: Professional photographers must get permission by contacting missy@coopertrooper.org BEFORE taking any photographs. There will be an additional charge and there are certain stipulations/guidelines that must be agreed to. A $50 donation per 30 minute session is required BEFORE photographing, and is ONLY allowed during hours that the patch is NOT open. Our hours of operation are Sunday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturday 9am-8pm.
Our hope is that you will come have fun with your family and purchase a few pumpkins or kindly consider a small donation before you leave, to support our mission of helping families who have a child diagnosed with cancer!
How do I volunteer to work shifts at the pumpkin patch?
Click here to visit the online Volunteer Sign Up Calendar (2023 Sign Up Calendar available in early September). There are daily shifts, which require a specific number of people to make sure things operate smoothly. We can only have the number of specified volunteers, so please make sure you have signed up for a specific spot on the calendar. NOTE: Volunteers that are under the age of 16 should NOT sign up for a shift spot on the calendar, but are welcome to come with a parent or adult who will sign up themselves for a spot. The only exception is for our designated shifts for 14+year olds, specified on the volunteer calendar for Wagon Helpers. We ask that you not volunteer for a shift if you have young children that will require your attention during your shift. This is for everyone’s safety.
What do I need to know about volunteering to unload pumpkins?
There is a place on the Volunteer Calendar to sign up for pumpkin unloading on specific days.
Please NOTE: Due to safety concerns, children under the age of 14 years old, are NOT permitted to help with pumpkin-unloading.
Are animals allowed at the Pumpkin Patch?
ONLY service animals are allowed on the premises and must be secured by the owner at all times. If the animal causes disruptions, is not house-broken, or poses a threat in any way, CTF reserves the right, according to ADA guidelines, to ask that the animal be removed from the property.
What about children volunteering at the patch?
– Only those age 16 and above can sign up for a shift on the volunteer calendar. We must insure that each shift is adequately covered, so if you sign up your child, it will take up a spot needed for an adult.
– Children ages 14+years old may sign up for our weekend spots to be a “wagon helper”. For safety reasons, there must be at least 2 children (or a child with an adult) to take wagons down and help load customers cars. NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 14 years old may take wagons down the hill. Please note that it is a steep hill and requires focus, strength, and the ability to control a wagon full of heavy pumpkins. DO NOT sign up for this spot if you are unable to meet those demands.
While we love for families to be involved, we need all adult volunteers who sign up, to be undistracted and ready to help customers. Again, our #1 concern is safety for everyone and making sure our customers are given the best experience possible.
-Finally, NO CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED BEHIND THE CHECKOUT AREA, and no one under 18 y.o., who hasn’t been specified or trained to work checkout and handle cash can be in this area or use our checkout devices. For insurance purposes, we MUST enforce this rule.
So, where do the pumpkins come from? Are they donated?
No. The pumpkins are NOT donated. We purchase our pumpkins from farmers across the U.S. at wholesale pricing, then sell them as our primary fundraiser for the Cooper Trooper Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Volunteer Opportunities
It takes hundreds of volunteers to “run” the pumpkin patch each year. Be sure to read our FAQ page for information regarding age requirements and other volunteer info.
2023 Volunteer Calendar (posted in Sept. 2023)
Do you have a business or company that would like to be a Corporate Sponsor of The Cooper Trooper Foundation’s Pumpkin Patch?
Sponsorship Deadline for 2023 has passed. Please let us know if you would be interested in being a Sponsor for the 2024 Pumpkin Patch, by contacting us via email at info@coopertrooper.org!
Why Sponsor?
Not only are you showing your support of a local, 501(c)3 non-profit in your community, but:
- You are making a difference in the lives of families who have received a childhood cancer diagnosis.
- You are making it possible for us to cover our costs in operations, with surplus going directly into our mission. We pride ourselves on the percentage of dollars that go right back into the foundation from this fundraiser to help these families.
- It is 100% tax deductible as a Qualified Sponsorship Payment under IRS section 513(i) for businesses.
- Volunteer/team building opportunities for your employees.
- Your company’s logo is present to a broad audience, in an area with very heavy traffic, along with other opportunities (see rack card).
A special thank you to our 2023 Diamond & Platinum Sponsors
CAT Financial * A+ Storage * Cool Springs Montessori
Physicians Urgent Care * BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee * Civil Site Design Group
Bermudez Flooring * Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt * Holt Insurance
