In 1990, a year after National TRIO was incorporated, the first convention was held in Youngstown, Ohio where there was small attendance but a lot of enthusiasm. The following year it was held in Pittsburgh, merging with the International TRIO, which still exists today.

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In 1992, the National Board decided to really strike out on its own. The conference was set for September in Las Vegas, under the host of the newly formed Nevada chapter. It was quite a trip, highlighted by Dr. Tom Starzl, the Godfather of Organ Transplantation.

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At the concluding dinner, a lady from the audience asked to speak. She was a professional rose grower. She said, “I am a recipient and I would like to show my appreciation for my donor and increase donor awareness. I would offer to send any and all chapters 30 roses if they would agree to set up an Organ Donor Appreciation Garden.” The offer was greeted with great applause.

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Anne and Don Treffieseen, the founders and Presidents of the Long Island Chapter of TRIO, were excited about this idea and upon returning home they started the process. They decided they would want to have this garden on a hospital or hospice property, but decided that the garden reside in a quiet and dedicated place, perhaps a park.

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They contacted the Nassau County Executive who was most interested and receptive regarding the idea, as was the operations manager at Eisenhower Park. At this meeting, he showed them a brick-walled sunken garden near the Veterans Memorial, which was a symbolic and peaceful spot for all. He also thought it was a perfect setting and agreed and expressed his support.

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The rosebud grower was contacted and within a week 30 bare-root rose bushes arrived. The roses were planted and the chapter members met while a plaque was being made. The area was dedicated in June 1993 as the Donor and Recipient Rose Garden. This special garden was dedicated to the donors and donor families. The Rose Garden was born. The Rose Garden Ceremony was born.

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The garden has since received additions, expansion, and loving care from many over the years. The Rose Garden was subsequently adopted by TRIO as a national project, and the Rose Garden Ceremony has been held annually and has now become the location for Long Island’s most beautiful and touching ceremonies. The Rose Garden Ceremony has become a symbol of love, life, and rebirth for our donors and recipients, acknowledged by the planting of a new and/or reborn rose. Each year the Rose Garden is re-bedded, giving “thanks” for that precious and unselfish gift of life.

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Today we share this Rose Garden with you. In the midst of darkness, an enduring light shines strong and bright through the gift of organ donation and transplantation.