Volunteer Spotlight: The Buchholz Family

Every October, Reiman Gardens transforms into a spooky world of Halloween fun. Behind every glowing pumpkin is a volunteer, and few have made a bigger impact than the Buchholz family. Kathleen, Timothy, Kassandra, and Theresia have been an instrumental part of Spirits in the Gardens for years. Their dedication, time, and commitment bring the beloved event to life behind the scenes, not just in October but all year round.  

"We've always been a family that volunteers together," Kathleen shared. That teamwork is on full display in the weeks before the event, when the family oversees the pumpkin carving and stenciling. They print the stencils, sort them into 24 binders, make sure every pumpkin is properly identified, organize the stenciling process, and guide volunteer groups as they stencil and carve. They have a hand in every part of the preparation. "It's like we are in a sea of pumpkins," Kathleen noted.  

Once Spirits in the Gardens arrives, the work continues. On opening night, the family becomes the "light bulb crew," racing through the Gardens to swap the colors of select light bulbs inside the jack-o'-lanterns and add a little extra personality. They also bring plenty of fun of their own, dressing in coordinated family costumes and passing out candy during the event.  

For the Buchholzes, the reward goes well beyond the pumpkins. "It's a place close to home where you can go and visit, go and help, and watch other people enjoy it too," Timothy said. Kathleen put it even more simply: "Volunteering makes me whole." When they aren’t prepping for Spirits, you can find them volunteering in many other ways throughout the Gardens and contributing their skills and time wherever they go.  

Along the way, the family has built a community with Reiman Gardens staff and fellow volunteers, and that sense of belonging is part of what keeps them coming back year after year.   

Visitors get to experience the magic of the lighted pathways and elaborate jack-o'-lanterns, but the Buchholz family helps make each pumpkin —and Spirits in the Gardens —glow.